On 9/2/2010 3:21 PM, Jim K wrote:
On 2 Sep, 18:22, wrote:

If this trough is joined to your house wall - which we can't tell
from the pic - with no waterproof membrane between, then the bushes may
actually be keeping the damp out of your house.

or more likely the complete opposite

A cousin of mine had to dig up a lovely plant growing next to the wall
of her house. It's an old crofthouse, with rubble walls, and the roots
crept right through to the living room...