Dear all,

We are in the process of building a house and, in order to comply with
local building regulations, have had to construct an enormous soakaway
in the garden to drain the roof. This is of the egg crate type covered
with a membrane which must not be damaged by roots or cultivation. It
is approximately 400 mm down. This despite the fact that we are at the
top of a hill on free draining soil. Does anyone have any experience
of these - is there any alternative to grassing or paving the fairly
sizable area over it? We are keen gardeners and any ideas would be
appreciated.

Gill Hall