DIY Network

The Johnsons: Their Plan, Costs and Products From "Garden Sense" episode DGAR-111

Meet Pandora and Clay Johnson and their daughter, Amber Stone. They also have a dog named Max. Clay is a construction foreman and remodeler. Pandora works in sales and marketing for Cox Radio in Atlanta.

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The Johnson's live in a brand new home but even though it's new, there are major problems with water runoff from the neighbors. They want to add more personality to their garden while addressing the problems from poor drainage.

Gardening Challenge

Before

After

Here is the challenge our Garden Sense expert faced with this project.

• Find a way to manage the water runoff from the neighbors yard.
  
• The garden needs more personality
  
• The Johnson's would like to add more interesting, native varieties

Project Details

• Add lots of evergreen plants that offer foliage throughout the entire year
  
• Raise the bed 3-5 inches to get drainage away from house.
  
• Add plants that are more interesting, but native such as Florida anise and Inkberry holly.
  
• Plant other selections include plants such as ligularia, holly and acorus grass that require less water
  
• Install a gravel path and stepping stones to create interest and allow for easier walking in the squashy soil.

Required Project Time

The Water Everywhere project took us one day. Walter had help from the DIY crew and the entire family.

Gardening by Zip Code If you're looking to start a gardening projectbut don't know your gardening zone—visit the National Gardening Associations's USDA Hardiness Zone Finder. Enter your Zip Code to identify the proper zone.

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