Elderberry and buttonbush are definitely solid picks, especially if you're dealing with soggy ground. Creeping phlox is gorgeous too, but I'm curious—have you considered ornamental grasses like switchgrass or little bluestem? I've seen them used in flood-prone areas, and they add a really nice texture contrast. Plus, grasses have this subtle movement when the wind hits them...it can be pretty mesmerizing.
Also, from a design perspective, mixing heights and textures can really elevate the overall look. Sedges are great for ground cover, but pairing them with taller grasses or flowering shrubs creates visual interest and depth. I once worked on a project near a creek that flooded regularly, and we combined elderberry with switchgrass and some native irises—it turned out beautifully and held up surprisingly well during heavy rains.
Anyway, sounds like you're already on the right track. Good luck with your remodel!
Totally agree on the grasses—switchgrass is awesome for soggy spots. Another one to think about is Joe-Pye weed. I planted some last year in a low-lying area that floods every spring, and it handled the water like a champ. Plus, butterflies and bees love it, so it's a win-win. Mixing it with elderberry or buttonbush could give you some nice color and wildlife action. Sounds like your project's shaping up nicely...wish I'd known about these plants sooner myself.
- Joe-Pye weed is definitely a good call, wish I'd thought of that earlier. I planted some cardinal flower in a flooded corner of my yard last year and was surprised how well it took off. It added a vivid splash of red and hummingbirds went nuts for it.
- Elderberry is another great suggestion, but just a heads-up from experience: if you're planting near a foundation or structure in flood-prone areas, their roots can spread pretty aggressively. Learned that the hard way when my historic home's stone retaining wall started shifting. Had to transplant the elderberry further out.
- Buttonbush is amazing though—mine attracts tons of pollinators and even some cool birds. Plus, it's pretty forgiving when the area dries out in summer.
- Sounds like your garden's becoming quite the wildlife sanctuary...makes me want to rethink some of my own landscaping choices!
"Elderberry is another great suggestion, but just a heads-up from experience: if you're planting near a foundation or structure in flood-prone areas, their roots can spread pretty aggressively."
Wish I'd read this sooner—I had a similar issue with elderberry near my old stone cellar. Beautiful plant, but those roots don't mess around. Ended up moving mine further out too, and now it's thriving without causing trouble. Buttonbush has been a lifesaver though, especially during dry spells...definitely recommend it for anyone dealing with tricky flood-prone spots.
Wish I'd known about elderberry roots earlier too. Had one near my garage, and it quickly became a headache—roots started pushing up the paving stones. Ended up swapping it out for buttonbush after reading some recommendations here, and it's been solid so far. Handles flooding way better, plus pollinators seem to love it. Definitely agree with this:
"Buttonbush has been a lifesaver though, especially during dry spells..."
It's been surprisingly resilient in all conditions.
