I have this really weird soil that just won't take up any water. I water
the soil for ages and ages, but if I immediately dig into the soil no water
has soaked down, not even a quarter of an inch. It's just bone dry dust
underneath. Where the water is going is a complete mystery (maybe there
really is a third dimension).

The border has dreaded leylandii in it, which I know soak up water, but the
water isn't penetrating even a half inch. It's almost like the soil has a
waterproof layer on it.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Many thanks.