Question
I am ready to move back in with my mother. I purchased a house this winter and with snow melting and then spring came along with the rain I realized I have a serious problem with my neighbours on all 3 sides and their water draining into my yard. My yard is about 1 1/2 to 2 feet LOWER then the 3 other properties around me. People have told me to grade my yard to the back but that will not fix the problem....water come in to fast and would flood my shed that I can not move. I was informed that I could install a sump pump in my yard like they do on newer houses and have it drain out to the front but is this a permenant solution? I was told that it could be only a temporary one. I need some advice....please keep in mind that my house was built a foot lower then everyone elses also so I can't raise my yard to be the same height as theirs.

Answer
Hi Noelle

You need to install a french drain and a suitable soakaway area, made by digging a hole, filling it with large pebbles and covering both the sides and the surface with builder's nylon.

Alternatively just go with the problem and plant with plants that will tolerate a situation of this kind. Ferns, Zantedeschia and Iris pseudocorus and also hosta will make a great garden.

Go with it and it'll all work out fine!

Good luck

Jonathan www.ecologicagardens.com