Some plants do better in wetter soil.
From choosing what, where and when to plant and maintaining it all, gardening can be hard as well as rewarding work. Sometimes problems, such as standing or excessive water, can make gardening even more difficult. Although it can be easy to avoid planting in areas where water might stand, it is not necessary. Many plants enjoy extra water and thrive in soggy environments. Plants that tolerate water can be aesthetically pleasing and act as a natural drainage system.
Winterberry Holly
Winterberry holly is a deciduous plant that is ideal for wet areas that don't drain well. Winterberry, or ilex verticillata, works well near ponds, ditches and even regular gardens with drier soil. It is found in cold and warm climates and is easy to grow. Winterberry may be as short as 3 feet or as tall as 15 feet. When grown in wet ground, the plant spreads out like a thicket. In fall, winterberry holly loses its leaves and is covered with berries that hang on until mid-winter.
Pussy Willows
Pussy willows, or salix discolor and caprea, are native to North America. These wetland shrubs or small trees are great for areas that have poor drainage or tend to accumulate water. Gardens with full sun are best, but pussy willows can grow in partial shade. Pussy willows grow fast and easily and can become quite large, as high as 30 feet in a few years. It might be necessary to prune pussy willows if a manageable size is desired.
Sweet Flag
Sweet Flag, or acorus calamus, is a moisture loving plant that looks like grass. It prefers full or partial sun and wet ground or shallow water. Growing between 6 inches and 4 feet tall and up to 4 feet wide, sweet flag is added to landscapes for its texture and appearance. The plant has sword shaped basal leaves and will develop flowers in late spring or early summer. Sweet flag also has a rootstock that is used in some perfumes and natural insecticides.
Goat's Beard
Goat's beard, or astilbe, is known by several other names: false spirea, meadowsweet and feather flower. Easy to grow, this plant can live in the sun but does better with shade. It also likes the ground to be constantly moist. Soggy ground is too much but astilbe can tolerate additional water. The more sun it gets the more water it needs. Goat's beard grows up to 4 feet tall and produces plumed flowers in several colors including white, pink and red.
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