BrucUK wrote:
I have a lawn with clay underneath that floods every time it rains;
it's also full of tree roots.
I have killed the lawn off, built "edges" and a deck/pier to walk
around on. I plan to top-dress the old (now dead) lawn with homemade
compost and well-rotted horse manure to a depth of about 6 inches,
thereby introducing organic matter, and avoiding having to dig too
much. I have "loosened" the soil where possible.
Any thoughts? Anything wrong with this approach? I will not start
planting until next year (herbaceous shrubs, roses and annual
vegetables).
Is this a sensible strategy? Have I missed anything?
Thanks - Bruce

An area that floods over a clay base is not going to be productive for roses
or veges so you need to address the drainage issue. You could:

- divert ground water away from the area and/or
- build raised beds and/or
- add drainage lines in filled trenches.

David