You must add humus, as much as you can get hold of, dig in lawn mowings about 9 inches deep.

Anything which says "well drained soil" on the label will appreciate your soil. Things like lavender and rosemary are used to poor, dry soils in the Mediterranean. Also plants with long roots that go in search of moisture (like poppies as you have discovered) and acanthus will do well. But as Doctorbob says, improving the soil will help as well

Thanks for tips have already added some compost bin contents into it last year, do I need to rot down the grass cuttings before, otherwise will I grow more grass. Would top soil dug in improve or do I need to just stop the water draining through hence your idea of the grass mowings.Once again thank you for reply folks dead chuffed!

Lawn mowings dug in about 9inches deep will decay in the soil just as quickly as they do in the compost bin. You can also use shredded paper dug in to the same depth. The more moisture you get in your soil the better your plants will grow. You can trench in grass as you are digging it, other than couch or perennial weeds. As Andrew says there are certain subjects that will grow in poor free draining soils.

Guess if the rain holds off I will get some done today one way of sweating a cold out. Cheers for the help will be really pleased if it works will be able to grow some more plants instead of grass, do you think it will need replacing every year. I didnt mention there is a hawthorn hedge at the back of the border and this does not help I know I have set a hose up to try and replenish the back of the border but this could mean that could come out(esp if hose ban comes). Thanks again for all your support its really mint x

As well as the grass already discussed, you need to put in as much composted material as you can get - things like composted horse manure, leaf mould, spent mushroom compost, soil conditioning compost from the garden centre. Adding topsoil isn't necessary and won't do much good, most of what's supplied these days is motorway spoil and not something you'd want in your garden. Spend your money on composted materials.

One other thought Littleclare, if you can purchase some hardwood bark chippings, mulch on top of your soil without a membrane, the bark will break down and give you further humus over a long period particularly in areas that you do not disturb.

Thanks for tips will pinch some horse manure from the field opposite me and start composting it I also have some well rotted leaves and another bag on their way. Rain stopped play last weekend so will be back clearing the borders first they are choked up with grass and ivy. Have mown the lawn and backed the basket onto a sheet to collect it all, have a nice little store going. My soil is so dry on the top its like dust but not bad underneath( how I miss clay). Looks like I have to be a compost queen if I want my flowers back. Once again thank you all for your welcome suggestions x .