Question
We are starting a new garden (new home). The soil is not the best but not really clay. Here is the problem - we have planted several shrubs and have had to replant a few because of the fact that when it rains heavily the plants are sitting in wet soil for at least a day or two. Dug really large holes and filled with good soil to help but problem still exists. Only occurs when we have very, very heavy rain fall so am not sure if I should be concerned - just seems odd that after a heavy down pour a day  later if I put my shovel into the soil around the plant I can clearly see water sitting there.  

Answer
Hi Carolyn
sounds definately like a drainage problem. I would check the grade around the area if your garden is sitting lower than the surrounding level it will hold water. raise the garden up a little so the water can at least drain outside the bed. you could also use drain tile that would help as well.  Good luck  Larry  ;-)