The sand should improve the drainage, is the bed actually waterlogged? The moss will be growing because of the shade.

Hi, I agree with Landgirl, if there's sand underneath the soil it should be well drained, I would be looking for a reaon why it isn't, but in answer to your question; Rodgersia prefers a reliably moist soil, and don't mind some shade, it's drought they can't tolerate, but can withstand being a bit drier, when grown in more shade, Derek.

Landgirl, no the soil isn't waterlogged. I thought the moss was a result of poor drainage so you have made me think again. thankyou.
Derekm, I will look at planting Rodgersia. Following your answer, I thin I will add grit to the soil in the hope of improving drainage. Thankyou.

Derekm, I've ordered one Rodgersia to see how it likes my poorly drained soil. Hehe. Looking forward to it. Thankyou again.

If it's builder's sand (soft sand) then it will clog and create poor drainage. Sharp sand is the best for good drainage. I would dig down and let the air into the soil if it is compacted. As suggested, crushed grit will help. If this still doesn't improve then something like dogwoods with their coloured stems will thrive in the damp conditions without too much maintenance. Their presence might also help their roots to penetrate the subsoil and you could then continue to underplant with spring bulbs without rotting off.

Hosta, lobelia cardenalis, monarda, hydrangea, canna, lithrum and lysimachia. These are the plants in my garden that grow very well in moist to wet conditions in heavy clay soil on average. Of course some of these will do better in shady conditions.

Ferns like damp shade

Oh wow! so many possibilities. And thankou Jimmytheone for suggesting a remedy. many thanks to all.

If its builders' sand it may have come from the coast and be salty. All sand used on a garden should be Horticultural Washed Sand. Dig in plenty of compost too.

Builders don't use sand with salt in it, if they did the concrete would not set and cure properly.

It is my understanding that a little salt is not a problem. The difference between ordinary sharp sand and horticultural sand is that horticultural sand has no calcium in it so can be used on lime haters.

They do round here MG. They dont buy Horticultural washed sand. Also sand put on the roads
is from the seaside.

MG is right in that sand used in the mixing of concrete for structures of any kind must be high quality without salt. Do do otherwise would be extremely dangerous. While I was in what was then called Leningrad I saw apartment buildings constructed to replace those flattened by the Germans built with poor quality concrete. Walls were starting to crack, flake and crumble away because cheap sand with salt in it was used in their construction. Risking building collapse like that was a murderous thing to do.

I hink Loosestrife has said it all Diane, for a start off it is illegal to remove sand from beaches... Sand on the roads, instead of grit in winter?