Question
My husband and I lived here for 30 years. He passed away recently. Our goal was to build. Now I will soon. However our yard in the back is very wet when it rains. I want to make this area look nice and yet help the water problem. My sons and neighbor cut the grass except the wet part and they have to weed eat the wet part. What can we plant not too expensive so I can enjoy being here while I am and so it will look nice for possible selling my home? Something in a reasonable price. thanks patricia Ross

Answer
Hey, Patricia.

I'm going to presume that it's wet because you live in an area where it rains often and not because there is a plumbing leak, sewer leak, or irrigation system leak. Under that presumption....

Look at the tropical plants. They will like the water, will soak up the water, will look beautiful, will grow fast, and don't cost much. For example, when I was growing up in Kingsville, Texas (it had both its wet years and its dry years), we had a lot of elephant ears, philodendrums, and scheffleras. There is a great selection of ferns which should do very well, and with the smaller ferns mixed in with the larger plants, it will be gorgeous. And since everyone likes ferns, that will give it some extra curb appeal when you go to sell. Then, if you need some color, plant something like the waxleaf begonia. It is very adaptable to all conditions and is constantly blooming. If you're up north, some hostas should also do well. Other plants to consider would be the airplane plant/spider plant, caladiums, fatsia japonica/aralia sieboldi, fiddleleaf fig, and the rubber plant. All of them should be fairly easy to find and inexpensive since they are fairly common.

Lastly, stop by your local mom-and-pop nursery and ask them for some suggestions. I've found that the smaller nurseries and better at answering those questions than the large home improvement stores.