Question
QUESTION: My wife has planted some flowers right against our concrete slab foundation and I am concerned about moisture problems in that area.  I did put some block against the foundation to make somewhat of a barrier between the soil and foundation but those blocks are only 2 inches thick probably and a couple inches tall and I asked her to try not to splash the wall but just soak the plants for a short while when watering.  Do you suggest we move the flowers a distance away from the house and if so how far?  The thing is even if flowers werent there, there was grass before, so it was getting wet anyways when grass is watered.  Not sure what to do...

ANSWER: Hello james

This is a frequent question and many builders panic about this when we gardeners get involved. The reality is, that unless one plants large shrubs or trees against walls, there really is no problem.

The roots of annual flowers are never going to cause a problem, however, large plants, like climbing wisteria or fig trees can cause a poblem with their penetrating roots over time.

Stick to annual plants and small shrubs and you shouldn't have any problems.

Good luck

Jonathan www.ecologicagardens.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is a hibiscus I found out and bird of paradise.  I dont think roots are big but what about water getting into foundation

Answer
The foundations are built to withstand the filtration of water, by using an impermeable membrane. The only problem arises when the plants are able to break through the impermeable membrane of the house. Hibiscus and strelizia (bird of paradise), however, are not capable of doing this.

You'll be just fine!

Good luck

Jonathan www.ecologicagardens.com