Carole, I'm going to suggest that you know what you want and have a pretty good idea how to accomplish it. From my end I suggest too that the raising of the bed is a good start. But, I would suggest that you make a plan first. Decide which plants, which bulbs, which organic matter will do what you want it to. The gravel I think is a good idea....and as far as at what depth...and how deep, I hesitate to suggest since that lovely red clay of yours should also include lots of organic matter. This can help a water retention problem...but then how much water are we talking about. If its just seasonal...rains ...then maybe just doing the raised bed will solve it. If its a problem from water coming to the area from other areas....or from neighbours, then you may have to cure the problem first, then make the raised bed. If the problem is from an overall groundwater issue, then I think you had better get permission from the landlord before going to extreme measures. He may wish to help defray costs....even if you think he should pay for the entire cost. Landlords ....some are good that way...anything done to improve his investment might be looked on kindly. Then again......... I would think you'd want at least, 18" of good soil over the gravel....to properly grow plants which have roots which should be in soil. Six inches of gravel below that...if necessary, would certainly drain away much. If it is a seasonal water problem, might you consider just dumping a load of OLD STRAW over it until you are ready to make the raised bed. Make sure its OLD straw...straw has seeds and if anywhere near fresh, you might have a bumper crop of straw (or hay) in between your plants. Then, incorporate the straw into your organic matter. In any case, it does sound like you are going to have to hire help....so good luck, have a happy Christmas and a flowery new year.

If you are in a part of the country that gets winter rain but is short on water during the growing season you can use gutter water during rain season to get the stuff soaking wet and bury it shallow as water reservoir for favored plants. Here in NY it will function for a few years in this capacity before breaking down (I have a small "dry" nursery, meaning no irrigation) and have used junk mail for this purpose. Where it gets more chance for soil to dry out and where the soil is generally warmer it will break down more quickly which will reduce water storage but improve soil.

Mamacotti, whatever you do, DO NOT USE LANDSCAPE FABRIC - unless you plan to NEVER plant anything there. Several forums I visit regularly have had visitors who've complained about the difficulty of trying to plant if it's on the soil or even under the soil a foot deep. I have had to cut continually to plant everything because I inherited the stuff. It is for lazy people who don't care about having good soil (because you can't topdress well and you can't till and you can't dig so the soil never gets aerated). And kqcrna's comment about weeds growing on top is true - weed seeds will be carried by wind and sprout right on top of it. It's the most worthless crap on earth. Use layers of paper or cardboard, then mulch. Or just mulch. Westy

I'm looking for some pups at any age of dwarf edible banana such as the dwarf cavendish. Please let me know what you have. I have many variety of oyster mushroom starter to trade. Come in pink, pearl, and white. Very easy to grow in logs, sawdust, shredded paper, etc. Thanks!