How can I keep a garden when my neighbors rain runoff floods it?

First, visit your local code officer , taking photos of your problem, to see if you have any recourse with the neighbors, since their dogs created the problem. May depend also on who lived there, first. Would a deep trench to divert water be of help? You may need a French drain or dry well, but these can be labor intensive and costly projects.

Perhaps you can divert it with something like a dry creek bed along the property line and aim it back to their property at a low spot. You could also put in some raised flower beds at the low spots to keep the water on their property by raising the low spots on your side to be above their grade. I would check with the city first, if their is no recourse that way, you can try suggestions to divert or change the grading on your side of the fence.

Build a wall, out of bricks and mortar, they work like a Dam.

DIY are not nearly as expensive as many tend to believe.

10 inches tall, should be enough: 3 levels of brick, only needs 2 half bricks in themiddle level to offset placement.

This will direct any runoff where it belongs: In a garden not your own.

Also as it will retain their soil, you may be able to coax they into contributing to the cost.

Thanks, I like that idea too! 😊

God bless you!

We had a similar situation - our low spot was created when a neighbor landscaped their yard. If you try to raise your grade, it may require a lot of effort and material that may wash away or rot in the dampness. Don't fight it - go with it ! Put in a water garden - depending on your USDA Zone, there are plants that thrive in wet or damp soil, and the lower grade level ensures your garden will always be easy to keep wey and sustain your water-loving plants. (Hydrangea, Hibiscus, Canna, Calla, Spiderwort, Papyrus, etc. all tolerate damp or wet feet!)

Have you talked to your neighbors about the problem. Do they know what is happening. Your trying to be neighborly and keep the peace. What are or can do!

Is there a possibility or area you could add a small pond?? Use the run off to your advantage? Or dig a foot wide and maybe 10in deep "stream bed" and line it with river rock to divert the water away from your garden??