Mud patch! :(

Hi guys!

I was wondering if anyone can help me..? I have fenced off a patch of mud that used to be grass, but it looks hideous!! I want to cover it up with something, but what? I cant sow grass seed just yet, but how can I dress it up?
It measures 16 x 8 (foot) and I don't want the neighbours, or me, to be looking at an eye sore such as this! At the minute it is retaining rain water, but Im getting to grips with a fork dispersing this!

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

you could add loads of compost and manure and dig it in to improve the soil condition

then you could perhaps make that area a flower bed?

or, you could turf the area (it's too late to seed grass)

or you could buy pebbles and cover the area with that, with a few large pot plants?

lots of options, but it would be nice to see a photo of the area

 

Thanks! I would up-load a photo, but I have no idea how to?! lol!

I really want grass there in the future. I need somewhere to sit in the good weather (if it arrives!) Turfing the area is an expensive option at the minute, but could I put a cover or something over it?
In relation to manure, what plants could then be planted at this time of year?
Thanks!!

 

Is there a reason the area has begun to retain water?
Has the water table been changed by development/construction etc?

When we moved here 25 years ago I had an area that had standing water each time it rained, due to a flat run off table across the estate. My son had a similar problem when he moved into his house nearby last year.

I found there was a clay layer about 2' below the surface and dug a sump hole. Went down 5'+ through the clay and back-filled with rubble.
I've never had a problem since.
We did the same for my son and removed the problem. Both his neighbours also benefitted from that dig. One of them had lived there more than 50 years and this year was the first time his garden had not flooded.

It's a bit of work, but it can be worth the effort - if that is the reason for the problem

 

some say that Autumn is the best time to plant

perhaps your best bet would be to either pave the area with slabs, or use those white pebbles/stones, add a nice garden bench and 2 large hardy evergreen potted plants such as Fatsia (or even 2 bay leaf trees in large pots)

it's not a large area, so will not be too expensive to pave, especialy if you search sites such as your local gumtree site

if you turf the area, you may have the same problem again with drainage/mud

 

The water does go away, but it takes ages! Im guessing due to the mud as its uneven and leaves puddles. Thanks for the reply!

 

Nice pics and good advice! I want to keep the grass as I have recently patioed the area leading up to it. Im thinking of putting down a large plastic sheet and covering it with stones? I can then remove it when it comes to planting grass seed? Is this a good idea...?

 

If you can get hold of a Post Hole cutter you could get an idea of whether there is a clay problem. If there is you will need to break through the clay layer.
Slow soak-away suggests that is going to be the problem.
If a new estate has been built locally that can change the water table run-off.

 

If you are prepared to invest some time and cash you could raise the ground level and create a feature with a raised lawn, use rocks or wood stakes to create a perimeter.

 

OOOooo Crown bowls


Jack McH

 

make a french drain ....

the area is small, so the problem may be solved, especially if you slightly slope the area towards the drain, so that excess water runs off into the drain?