Another solution, but real hard work and mega bucks, is proper land drainage. Not recommended unless you have deep pockets, don't mind the upheaval and not being able to use your garden for some time.

But, it can be very successful.

So, what can you plant in clay soils?

An obvious choice is bog plants especially where water tends to lie in pockets or low lying ground at the bottom of slopes.

What about making water features in these areas? Clay soil is ideal for holding water and with some clever use of bog plants you can make exciting, stunning, eye-catching designs.

In areas where water doesn't lie so much you can try hostas, many of the primulas, hydrangea, euonymus and lavatera as they should all perform well.

Shrubs such as cotoneaster, hebe, spiraea and mahonia all should do well.

It's surprising what plants will grow and survive in clay soils.

If your adventurous try your favourites, you may be surprised. And if they just don't do any good try something else.

Plants are very tolerant and will survive in conditions that aren't perfect, so it's definitely worth trying anything.

See above for plants that are good performers in clay soils.

But if you can use raised beds your choice of planting is the same as it is for normal soils.

So, raised beds are highly recommended to overcome the problems of heavy clay soils.

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