Primulas, Persicaria, Gunnera, Astilbe, various ferns, Ladies Mantle are growing in our sunny, clay filled garden in the more boggy bits. In other clayish areas we have rhododendrons and various rosa rugosa type shrubs and poppies. Not a lot in that list that is evergreen - sorry.

Mmm...agreed Rozalia. This is one of my biggest problem areas too Toy! I'm keeping an eye out in case anyone comes up with any better ideas! hope we get some!

Oh...sorry should have added Houttuyina Cordata. Not evergreen though...sorry!

Might be worth trying to improve the drainage as that will increase the number of plants you can grow. Dig in LOADS of organic matter - preferably well rotted manure - to open up the structure and allow the water to drain.

Beware of Houttuynia cordata - it's a thug!

Sid's absolutely right of course. My problem is soil compaction under the lawn which was laid by the builder. I think that eventually I may end up having to remove the lawn and properly dig the area because it is really very tricky to grow in...but what a huge task....it is terribly depressing to think that I'll have to do that. If Toy's problem is simply heavy clay soil then the digging in of organic stuff would really help, but it won't make a blind bit of difference to my situation....over to you Toy!

thanks a lot for your advice.