New old garden needs work

[GrahamC]

Hi new to gardening in Malaysia, but have enjoyed gardening in a number of countries in Europe.

New for us, 10 + year old house bought in Shah Alam. Previous owner we did the bare minimum of cutting the weeds. Creativity absent. Topsoil removed and I dug down about 6in tonfind a clay layer which inhibits drainage. Soil needs to be dug over to break up the hardpan. End terrace house so small garden. Anyone recommend someone who can use a mechanical digger to rotovate the ground to ensure good drainage and also ensure a good soil mix to support small shrubs that smell and look nice. Supporting butterflies and kelulut bees Regards GrahamC.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Rotavators don't tend to make for good drainage. Where the blade goes across the bottom it will flatten down the earth, especially if you are going down to clay, and make an impermeable layer. People are very down on clay, but actually those tiny particles will hold a ball of water around them and stay moist, digging a single spit with a fork will mix the top couple of inches or so of clay into that top six inches and actually improve the soil, as well as breaking down the divide between the top and the clay, allowing shrubs to root deeper into the clay. I have no idea what will be available locally, but adding just about any sort of organic matter will improve the soil.