What's tough enough to grow in this yard?

Question

My yard has these factors working against it: 4 dogs, 1 huge tree which creates lots of shade, and poor drainage. I am trying to figure out (1) what to grow out there and (2) how to fix the drainage problem. I am not getting rid of the dogs or the tree. Anyone know of any good books or websites that can help? Anyone know what is a sturdy type of plant that can handle these conditions?

p.s. I dont mind digging or doing any other work involved if it will improve my drainage

Answer 1

hostas love wet feet, plant them where you have too much water
lirope, commonly called monkey grass
boxwoods, will grow most anywhere
burford holly, also tough shrub
spirea, loves some sun, but thrives under trees
English Ivy
all of these plants are tough, they survive with me, someone who should own fake plants!!!
I did 6,500 grass plugs last year, they are doing OK...

Answer 2

think crabgrass may be the only thing able to put up with those conditions.

There are good books on fixing drainage problems, but they all involve digging. (Swales, french drains, dry wells, etc.)

Most plants that grow in shady conditions are woodland plants, and don't deal with being disturbed. And I know of no grass (other than crab) that will stand up to four dogs. Though you might have a chance if you install "dog runs" along the fence, where they tend to want to run back and forth barking at the dangerous interlopers (such as friends, neighbors, mail carriers, etc.). Then, a few feet BACK from the fence, build raised beds. That will take care of both the drainage problem, and most likely, the dog problem, as they tend to take the easiest route. If you have a long stretch, just break it into several beds with paths in between, which will greatly cut down on them jumping through or over the beds to get to the other side. If there is a path within a few feet, they'llt take it.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Four dogs and shade rules out grass. And no other ground cover can tolerate foot/paw traffic.

Fixing the drainage problem (do you mean constant wet spots?) requires professional help as any grade changes or drainage tiles you put in may create problems for your neighbours -- and you will need permits from your town. Call a landscape architect or ask the city to recommend an engineer.

Can you confine the dogs to one area or construct a perimeter run for them? That area could have 4-6 inches of compacted stone screenings (fine gravel) put in. That will solve the muddy paw problem and requires no plants. Then you can grow plants that like wet/moist shade in the rest of the yard and not have to worry about dogs destroying it.

Answer 4

Zoysia grass plugs. Go to Zoysia.com. This grass is ordered from the company and mailed to you in a box. The grass comes in 1X1 squares which are scored, then you will finish cutting. They are guaranteed to grow just about anywhere. They are heat and drout resistant. Also, the grass is not affected by heavy traffic, pet defecation and urination. When you receive and plant them, youll think it looks dead. But just be patient and water them very often. The roots grow underground and spread like hostas so very little cutting is needed. Visit the web site and take a look. I planted mine in heavy shade and on a hill where there is sand and pine trees. It has taken about 3 months to show substantial growth and next spring it should be filled in. It is a large area and I am very happy with it. Just remember to be patient. It's definitely worth it.

Answer 5

you need a french drain, this comprise of , a trench dug 18x18, half fill with 3/4 stone, place in pearporated pipe 4in cover with 3/4 stone, this will drain your garden, you need
test it with a hose before you back fill ....
have you thought about, plants ,at waist height?. in big boxes, the dog wont get into them.