Difficult garden? How a professional gardener solves it
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated July 31, 2026
A "difficult garden" is rarely an unsolvable problem — it is usually a garden that needs a tailored approach rather than a standard one. The most common challenges are a level change or slope, wet soil with high groundwater, a shady north-facing aspect, a narrow or oddly shaped plot, and old, uneven paving. Each of these has a proven fix.
A garden with a slope or level change
A sloping garden is typically solved with terracing — dividing the garden into flat levels using retaining walls and steps — or, for a gentle slope, by letting the planting and lawn follow the contour. Retaining walls in gabion, concrete or natural stone hold soil in place while also creating separate "rooms" in the garden — useful for a seating area on a higher level with a view. For level changes greater than 50 cm, a properly engineered retaining-wall foundation is essential; otherwise it will settle within a few years.
A wet garden or high groundwater
Does water keep standing on the lawn or patio after rain? That usually points to a combination of heavy Dutch clay soil and insufficient drainage. The fix starts with soil improvement (working compost and coarse sand into the topsoil) and, for persistent problems, installed drainage that carries excess water to a sump or infiltration crate. See the full approach in our garden drainage guide.
A shady, north-facing garden
A north-facing garden gets little direct sun, but can be just as lush as a sunny one with the right planting. Shade-loving perennials, ferns and groundcover thrive here — often better than a sun-lawn that turns bare and mossy in the shade. See the full plant list and approach in our north-facing garden guide.
A small or awkwardly shaped garden
A narrow, triangular or L-shaped garden often feels smaller than its actual area, unless sightlines, level changes and vertical planting are used deliberately. See our small garden design guide for concrete design tricks that make an awkward plot feel bigger.
Old, uneven or sunken paving
A garden with sunken, uneven paving is not just an eyesore but a trip hazard. The cause is usually a foundation that was too thin or poorly compacted under the old surface. See our guide on repairing sunken paving, or read more about proper re-laying by a paving contractor who gets the foundation right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every difficult garden be fixed?
In almost every case, yes, provided the approach matches the actual cause. A slope needs a different solution than wet soil, which in turn differs from a shady aspect. An on-site inspection gives the clearest picture of what is going on and which combination of measures is needed.
What is the most common cause of a "difficult" garden on Dutch clay soil?
Heavy clay soil is the most common common denominator: clay holds water poorly during drought but drains poorly during rain, leading to both parched and waterlogged patches in the same garden. Soil improvement and targeted drainage resolve the majority of these problems.
Can several problems be tackled at the same time?
Yes, and it is usually advisable. A slope, wet soil and sunken paving are often connected — for example, water running off a bank onto a patio and causing it to sink. One integrated approach is more efficient, and often cheaper, than separate patch repairs.
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