Plants can help with drainage by absorbing excess water and using their strong root systems to break up compacted soil and increase permeability. Top water-absorbing choices for wet areas include River Birch, Cardinal Flower, Blue Flag Iris, and Switchgrass.
Certain fast-growing trees and wetland shrubs soak up the most water. The Weeping Willow and Bald Cypress are champion water drinkers, with mature trees absorbing hundreds of gallons daily. For smaller areas, shrubs like the Red Twig Dogwood and perennials like the Cardinal Flower excel at draining wet spots.
Quick facts
October is the perfect time to plant trees, shrubs, conifers, and hardy perennials—or spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils—and if you're looking to sow cover crops or install lawns, now is the time for that as well.
Plants that thrive in poor drainage, or "wet feet," are adapted to waterlogged, heavy clay, or boggy conditions where others drown. Top choices include moisture-loving perennials like Japanese Iris, Marsh Marigold, and Cardinal Flower, along with shrubs like Buttonbush and Red Twig Dogwood.
Plants that thrive in continuously wet soil or boggy conditions are excellent for rain gardens, pond edges, or low-lying areas. Top varieties include Cardinal Flower (Lobelia), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Siberian Iris, and Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos). These plants have adapted to absorb excess water without suffering from root rot.
Fixing a yard with poor drainage depends on the specific problem. For standing water and soggy lawns, first build up low areas with topsoil and aerate to reduce compaction. For chronic flooding, install a French drain for subsurface water or a catch basin for surface water, both channeling water to a safe outlet.
Bill Gates argued against relying on planting trees as a primary solution to climate change, calling the idea "complete nonsense". He believes tree planting is insufficient, unproven at scale, and distraction from necessary technological solutions like direct air capture, arguing that emissions reduction requires fundamental industrial changes rather than relying on reforestation.
To help guide your fall gardening to-do list, here are 10 common perennials you should avoid planting in autumn if you want them to thrive.
Hotter summers, extended droughts, and dry winds are becoming more common, and hydrangeas are paying the price. Gardeners from coast to coast report the same issues: leaves crisping and curling in early summer, stems wilting despite regular watering, and blossoms fading far too quickly.
In poorly draining soils, focus on plants that can withstand "wet feet" to prevent root rot. Top outdoor options include water-tolerant shrubs like Summersweet and Red Twig Dogwood, perennials like Cardinal Flower and Siberian Iris, and trees like River Birch or Bald Cypress.
To fix poor garden drainage, start by aerating heavy or compacted soils and incorporating organic matter. If water still pools, grade the surrounding landscape to direct runoff away from the area, or install a French drain with perforated piping and gravel to redirect excess water.
Adding soil amendments to the potting mix can further enhance drainage for plant pots. Perlite is a soil amendment that improves drainage and encourages root growth. It can also help keep the soil from getting compacted in a container.
Create a Rain Garden
Heavy rainfall can cause water to collect in some areas of your yard, especially the low-lying parts. If you don't want to create a swale to redirect the water, you can choose to build a rain garden to absorb the water instead. It can help reduce stormwater runoff while beautifying your landscape.
The classic plant that universally says "I love you" is the Red Rose. However, if you are looking for long-lasting houseplants or specific symbolic meanings in the Victorian language of flowers, there are several wonderful alternatives to express your deepest affections.
Dehumidifying plants are a natural way to reduce excess indoor moisture and prevent mold. These plants absorb moisture directly from the air through their leaves or thrive in naturally damp environments. Top options include Snake Plants, Peace Lilies, Boston Ferns, and Air Plants (Tillandsia).
October is a great time to plant those fall flowers. There are many varieties that can be planted this fall and start blooming early spring.
Certain plants should never be planted together because they compete for the same nutrients, attract the same pests, or release chemicals that stunt each other's growth. The most notable incompatible pairs include tomatoes and potatoes, onions and beans, and fennel with almost any vegetable.
In gardening, the "3-year rule" describes the natural growth cycle of perennial plants, often summarized as: "Year one they sleep, year two they creep, year three they leap". It helps set realistic expectations for landscape establishment.
Here are some of the most beautiful trees in the world.
Yes, Elon Musk believes climate change is real, but he has downplayed its immediate urgency in recent years.
Billionaires are buying farmland primarily as a stable, long-term financial investment. Agricultural real estate serves as an excellent hedge against inflation, provides reliable rental income, and offers tax benefits. Additionally, arable land and water rights are finite resources with growing intrinsic value as the global population increases.
Compacted soil in lawns can be aerated by spiking it with a garden fork or using a hollow-tined cultivator, to improve drainage and grass growth. Worms also do a good job of aerating soil.
Check out our list below to discover key signs you might be facing lawn drainage challenges.
Yes, you can dig a hole and fill it with gravel to create a drainage system (often called a dry well or a vertical French drain). However, to ensure it works and doesn't quickly clog or fill with mud, you need to follow a few specific steps.