Question
I live in NW Arkansas in a 10 year-old house on 1/3 acre with no gutters.  I purchased the house six months ago.

When it rains the water is pooling on the eastern side of the yard, about 12 feet from the house, in a pool about 8-10 feet in diameter (the house next to me has no gutters either) and can be about four inches deep.  The rather large back yards are also sloped toward my pool.

I was thinking about created a 8-10 foot diameter berm & planting a spreading rose bush surrounded by daylilies.  How would I design this?  Is this a good idea - will it take care of the water?

Or should I forget it and save my money for a French drain or other type of drainage?  Any suggestions?

Answer
seamus,
 I am sorry about taking so long to get back to you. I was out of town, in fact I just was in se Arkansas last night. Any way I am thinking french drain. Or how hard would it be to just put gutters on the house. Also does the house have a foundation? Let me know. I am back in town. Jim