CLAY SOIL NIGHTMARE

Welcome to GOY, I'm a clay soil gardener (not through choice). It can be a bit of a nightmare, prepare yourself for lots of hard work but on the plus side clay soils retain nutrients well so when you find what grows well in it they will be very happy.
Basically dig, dig & dig again, adding lots of matter to break up the clay ie; horticultrual grit, compost, soil improver, whatever you have at your disposal.
My garden has poor drainage too so I have to work in lots of organic matter to improve it. In the summer it will set like concrete so hoe it reguarly to loosen up the top soil.
PLANTS: here are a few that are suitable for clay:-
Perennials - Astilbe, Hemerocallis, Hostas, Lysimachia, Lythrum, Phormium, Primula, Rodgersia.
Shrubs: Berberis, Cornus, Forsythia, Mahonia, Ribes,Skimmia Japonica, Spirea, Viburnum, Weigela.
In my garden I have Hostas, ferns, grasses, & for colour Roses, Aquilegias, Sidalcia, Veronicas, Chrysanthemums, Clematis, Poppies, Lupins, Astilbes, Hebes, Mahonia, Peony, Penstemons,Eryngiums, Foxgloves, Dicantra & lots more that all do well. So dont despair, it is hard work at times but think of all that exercise you'll get preparing your borders.Check out my pics if u feel u want a bit of inspiration, only a small garden but keeps me busy.
Look forward to seeing some photos. Good luck.

welome to GOY,poppy,s right.I,m on clay as well,a positive thing to say is that if you got 44 bags of weeds,just think ,everything we grow in our gardens today, started of as a weed somewhere in the world. it,s our intervention and alteration that has given us our "flowers" today.good luck

Hallo Feral - of course we'll be nice to you! Welcome to GOY and good luck with your garden. You have already had some good advice, haven't you! :-)