>> beautiful last year, dug out dead this year, we came to the conclusion it
was likely to clay type soil with poor drainage and we hope with the new dirt and compost for better results.
That's the same thing I was thinking, Linda. But "drainage" is always my first thought when there's a problem.
There are lots of things you can do if you have some slope to work with, even just a slight grade. But it can be hard work to dig trenches, and how many people volunteer to help with something that hot and sweaty?
But without some slope to work with, probably a raised bed is the easiest way to solve poorly-draining soil. Even there, you at least need to wheelbarrow around enough soil and soil amendments to fill the raised bed.
