Is this hole going to be a problem?

dangermousie

I'm concerned that this doesn't have drainage. The landscaper is trying to convince me that it'll be fine. It looks like it would be a bog. Or maybe it's good that it does drain quickly?

Dovefromabove

What’s going to be there?

Fairygirl

I'm confused - you're worried that it's going to be a bog, but then you said 'maybe it's good that it drains quickly?' 
Does it drain quickly, or is it a bog? 

As @Dovefromabove says - what's the hole for? 

dangermousie

ha, good point. I meant to say "or is it good that it doesn't drain quickly". It seems to be clay at the bottom. I don't want a bog there, ideally free draining for the plants. Should I worry about the house?
The plan is a flower bed, so soil is coming soon. Thanks

Fairygirl

I wondered if you mean that @dangermousie
It will depend on what plants you want - for both queries. 
It certainly doesn't look great at the moment, and I'd suggest a load of well rotted manure or other organic matter as well as the soil, because it could be very disappointing if plants fail due to the prep not being good enough. 

I should also say - it can look worse when there's no planting, as planting itself will use up a lot of excess moisture, but it does depend on the plants.

Loxley

Looks like it was previously paved? The ground is probably heavily compacted. Initially try breaking it up with a fork (drive the fork in all the way, then lever it upwards to break up any solid compaction). Does the water drain away faster after doing this?

Try and avoid digging the soil over while it is wet.

dangermousie

It was indeed paved. It drains faster alright. How deep should the soil be? I don't plan on planting anything large there, no oak trees

Fairygirl

Yes - but it seems to be right next to the house and that affects what you plant. If it's shady, and stays wet, and you wanted Lavender or Salvias for example, it could be a disaster. 
The eaves of the house also creates a rain shadow, which can have an effect too. 

Is the bed going to have an edging or similar? Is there going to be paving right up beside it or a gravel path or similar? 

Topbird

Because I'm a worrier looking for problems🙄.....

.... before you start digging too enthusiastically, are there pipes or something in the highlighted areas which you'll need to avoid?

Fairygirl

Ooh - your eyesight's much better than mine @Topbird. Very good point 

dangermousie

Fairygirl said:

Is the bed going to have an edging or similar? Is there going to be paving right up beside it or a gravel path or similar? 

There's going to be paving but it's all open to suggestion. We can add edging too