A soggy garden? Make a useful plan before digging.

Stone & Sprig journal · 4 min read · Updated 23 October 2026

Map what happens after rain

From a safe, dry spot, note where puddles form, how long they last and whether the water appears after ordinary rain or only heavy downpours. Record whether the problem affects the lawn, a border, paving or a route to the door. Photos from different days can make the pattern clearer.

Avoid making the soil worse

Keep off very wet lawns and borders where practical: walking or working on saturated ground can compact it further. Do not start digging drainage trenches or redirecting water towards buildings, neighbours or drains on the strength of a quick online tip.

Separate the symptoms from the proposed fix

A puddle can have several causes, including compaction, heavy soil, surface runoff or a drainage fault. Record what you observe without assuming a soakaway, new paving or a lawn replacement is the answer. Water from overflowing drains or suspected contaminated flooding needs the appropriate utility or specialist advice.

Prepare a clearer project brief

Write down the approximate affected area, access, slope, nearby hard surfaces, what you want to keep and the outcome you hope for. Mark anything you know about underground services and boundaries. Stone & Sprig can discuss a potential project only after its location, scope and suitability are reviewed individually; no visit, coverage or result is promised by this guide.

Choose the next step thoughtfully

Read the RHS guidance for your particular situation. Some gardens benefit from soil care or a different planting approach; others need professional assessment before structural drainage work. Use Stone & Sprig’s project brief to describe the issue privately, not as a public comment. The planned garden shop is not yet taking orders.