New lawn/meadow

Hi,

I've just dug out my front garden, which was paving slabs. I took out the slabs and concrete and sharp sand and assorted rubble, bringing it right down to the underlying earth.

I did notice a bit of clay in some areas, but not all over, but maybe I didn't go down enough in those other areas to find it.

I've now spread 2 ton of top soil in the hole, and it looks like I need another ton to bring it to level.

So today I tried walking over the earth to compress it down, making it easier to see how much more soil I need. It has been raining in London these past few days.

I've found some areas are firm, but other areas are completely muddy and bog like. Is this because there is clay underneath? The area is 2.5m x 4m and I've dug about 20cm deep.

Is it going to be alright or am I heading for a disaster?

The end game will be a lawn of wild flowers and grasses left to grow all year and trimmed in November, with Roses/Jasmine growing up the front of the house...

Thanks for reading, any advice greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to Gardeners Corner

Take it you're on the London Clay then.

If you can poke some holes in the boggy areas it'll help drain it, but bear in mind clay takes a while to drain, i'm on an alluvial flood plain but the water is still sitting on it from last night.

Topsoil helps, the worms will help work it in.

Meadow sounds good

 

Hi! Thanks.

I'm thinking to do this:

I've just bought a 600mm drill bit so I can drill some holes and let it initially drain, then I'll dig trenches and maybe drill some more holes and fill with sharp sand and then cover over with the top soil but that mixed with sharp sand too.

How does that sound?

 

Welcome to GC James. It sounds like you've got your clay soil sussed. I would dig over the whole garden to at least a spades depth and dig in sharp sand and/or small gravel. This will help drainage by keeping the soil open. Working on soil and laying lawns are like diy, preparation is everything!

 

Thanks Sheal, but I don't think I've got it sussed at all....If I can't dig through the clay then I feel no matter how much drainage I prepare it will always be waterlogged.....

 

If you can give it a good soaking over a few days that will help for digging. Some members here have taken a pick axe to clay to break it up. I've gardened on clay before but currently have sandy soil. It doesn't matter what type of soil we have there's always work needed on it.