Q&A: Is it hopeless to try and grow primulas in my dry soil?

Growing Moisture-Loving Plants in Dry Gardens

Gardeners with dry soil can achieve wet, boggy conditions by lining a shallow, basin-shaped hole, 24 inches (60 cm) deep, with butyl pond liner and filling it with rich loamy soil. It is essential to have an overflow pipe or drainage holes in the liner to prevent continual waterlogging in winter. Moisture-loving plants like primulas, irises, and other, not too vigorous perennials will grow happily in this mini bog garden. It is also an excellent way to give new purpose to a leaking pond.