Janice wrote:

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.

It may be trickling through (eg not being absorbed) and running off
somewhere else.. I'm guessing the soil is very dry and dusty there?

Try forking over and adding/mixing about 6 - 10 inches of well rotted
manure/ compost. Then top with another 3 - inches of bark/chippings ehn
you've planted whatever you wish to plant.

Basically what happens is the soil particles don't break the tension
of/with the water (A bit like the ground pepper on the surface of a
glass trick) and don't hold it. Lots of organic matter and mulches and
of course appropriate plants well watered to establish are the answer.

If you can lose the Leyandii and replace with something better, then
that'd be a bonus.
//
Jim