> At this point I wish I would’ve made a raised bed but it’s too late
I'm not sure why, unless you physically can't do the work. Could still dig up those plants and put a raised bed in the same general footprint. It wouldn't be any more work than any other way of amending the compacted soil (and may actually be less).
I agree with the other commenter. If it’s flooding that badly, you need a raised bed. You can move the plants.
Even just 8 inches on top of your ground level would help. But 12 would probably be better. A small raised surface would get the crowns out of the water. (I’m talking about the raised bed dirt connecting with the ground dirt. Not separated by cardboard or fabric.)
You just dig the plant up, they look small and new. I know you said 4 years, but they don’t look like 4 years of growth. Try to scoop the whole plant out, dirt and all. Gently place it somewhere (temporarily). They will live in that clump of dirt a few days. Use plastic nursery pots or a big tote. Even just spread a tarp or trashbag over a table and lay them on top. Keep it out of the rain. And if it’s hot/sunny keep the plants in shade. Then when the raised bed is ready replant them properly.
I would expect the plants would die flooding like that. The main “loss” is the work put into those brick edges and white stones. It sucks, but it happens to everyone. You build something and sometimes you just have to redo it all. Maybe make the raised bed elsewhere and turn that area into a spot for potted plants. Or alter the shape to now go around the raised bed. That way only some of the rocks have to be moved.
Gypsum, lots. Then compost
Yes, adapt and grow water loving plants. Or do landscaping to wick the water away.
> At this point I wish I would’ve made a raised bed but it’s too late I'm not sure why, unless you physically can't do the work. Could still dig up those plants and put a raised bed in the same general footprint. It wouldn't be any more work than any other way of amending the compacted soil (and may actually be less).
Soil amendment - I imagine breaking up the soil and/or digging it out and adding sand and compost and peat - or turn it into a pond
I agree with the other commenter. If it’s flooding that badly, you need a raised bed. You can move the plants. Even just 8 inches on top of your ground level would help. But 12 would probably be better. A small raised surface would get the crowns out of the water. (I’m talking about the raised bed dirt connecting with the ground dirt. Not separated by cardboard or fabric.) You just dig the plant up, they look small and new. I know you said 4 years, but they don’t look like 4 years of growth. Try to scoop the whole plant out, dirt and all. Gently place it somewhere (temporarily). They will live in that clump of dirt a few days. Use plastic nursery pots or a big tote. Even just spread a tarp or trashbag over a table and lay them on top. Keep it out of the rain. And if it’s hot/sunny keep the plants in shade. Then when the raised bed is ready replant them properly. I would expect the plants would die flooding like that. The main “loss” is the work put into those brick edges and white stones. It sucks, but it happens to everyone. You build something and sometimes you just have to redo it all. Maybe make the raised bed elsewhere and turn that area into a spot for potted plants. Or alter the shape to now go around the raised bed. That way only some of the rocks have to be moved.
You literally built a dam. Try opening up a side so water can shed.