Most of the plants found in nurseries such as our heavy clay soils prefer well drained soils.  Dogwoods, red buds, azaleas, rhododendrons, and hollies are just a few examples of plants derived from woodland soils where the drainage is good.  Our clay soil soil often does not lend itself to good drainage.  In severe situations, amending the soil is not an option.  Swamp is swamp.

    The list of woody ornamentals is somewhat limited for such situations.  Some shrubs which will tolerate such conditions are "Inkberry Holly" (Ilex glabra), "Pussy Willow" (Salix discolor), "Bayberry" (Myrica), and "Swamp Magnolia" (Magnolia virginiana).  The "Pussy Willow" is deciduous and sports beautiful cottony buds starting in December and lasting through March.  The balance of the plants are evergreen yielding basic greenery.  Any fruits and flowers are nothing to write home about.  Generally, the newly planted shrubs of this groups that have been returned, have died from lack of water at some point.

    Trees which can handle wet soil are any "Birch" (Betula), "Weeping Willow" (Salix babylonica), "Sycamore" (Platinus), and "Red Maple" (Acer rubrum), and "Willow Oak" (Quercus phellos).  The Birches require moisture for survival, especially in the juvenile stages.  The balance of these trees will tolerate a wide array of soils moisture levels, but they are tolerant of poorly draining soils.  The "Red Maple" and the "Willow Oak" are called the Swamp Maple and the Swamp Oak.  Do not confuse other species of these trees when choosing a tree for a wet spot.   As an example, a Sugar Maple can easily die from poor drainage.

    One grass that handles wet areas, particularly those with dense shade is "Rough Bluegrass" (Poa trivialis).  This is a very specific grass in that it does not do well in other areas, but it will survive in moisture where other turf grasses fail.

    There are many herbaceous perennials and bog plants which can fill wet areas.  Try cranberries for a groundcover.  They are attractive and evergreen.  They are also mighty tasty.  One last observation is that most of these plants are acid lovers, so pour on the peat moss (acidic).

    It has been a great year and I hope your Holidays are wonderful.  I will resume this column on January 17th, 2003.  The next month will be quite busy, but I will spend some time thinking of fresh ideas for the new year.  Feel free to e-mail us with any column ideas you might have in mind.  Until next YEAR!

                                                                                        Andy Lynn