I have dry, clay soil. I have a brick patio and then a grassy area with some evergreens behind the grass. I wanted to make the evergreen bed bigger to include more of the area between the evergreens and the pavers. The problem is the soil. I am afraid to add compost to the planting holes for fear of creating a "bath tub" effect. But the soil is so bad that I think I need to amend it more than just mulching it every year. Or should I just pick out plants for dry clay? Which seems a little boring... I realize I should plant small plants, mulch it well, water well etc. I do need to extend the sprinklers to hit that area better, but that would just make it wet, clay soil.
. Any advice would be appreciated.

- K.R. -