Waterlogged front garden

7 years ago

Our front garden is covered over in stones, under the stones we put a membrane to stop weeds. The garden is north facing so when it was lawned it was never healthy, hence the stone covering. Our problem is that after being like this for 10 years and all being fine, now when it rains the water sits on top of the stones, doesn't drain through the stones into the ground but comes through the front wall and across the pavement. We have checked for leaks but we don't have one. The soil is clay. Could it just be that the soil has compacted under the stones?? Help needed please

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I would look into a honeycomb base for the parking area to retain gravel. Planning often don't allow gravel in front driveways as loose stones can be a nuisance. At the same time councils are trying to dissuade people from putting a hard surface down that doesn't allow the water to soak away. A casual, no names given, enquiry at your council may enlighten you! I'd render and paint the walls around the parking area and encourage plants to cascade over the walls to soften them. If you have room you can maybe put a few pot plants around but may not be advised if you live in an area where people help themselves! At least with pots you can change/move them around with the seasons. The lawn area I would personally get rid of. If you're keen on gardening you could plant up with a variety of plants. Is it a sunny area? Could it be used as a herb garden, although best near the kitchen, as long as it is a sunny spot? But you might want to consider if the local dog and cat neighbourhood would use it as a toilet! If they might, gravel covering might not be a good idea. Having said that I created a herb garden at the front of a previous home but the cats didn't use the gravel as a litter tray. Grasses are good but there are also plenty of low 'prostrate' type plants that make good ground cover so will reduce the need for weeding. I have a similar size front garden and I'm going to look into getting a small specimen tree. Something that won't block out the light but is a decent size (10ft?) but something that has a nice shape so I can adorn it with lights at Christmas. If it has nice blossom and/or beautiful fruits (edible or not) then that would be a bonus. I will get rid of my grasses and under plant with something suitable. Good luck.
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Waterlogged front garden

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