The weather can be so unpredictble and changeable. How do we cope with these extremes ? I have found a method that helps my plants survive both drought and flood, plants wilt in drought and the roots suffer when the ground is waterlogged. So we need to plan ahead.

Soil that is walked on and compacted will not drain and water runs off not into it.so make beds no wider than you can comfortably reach the centre from the paths and don't walk on your beds

Organic matter makes humus which holds nutrients and moisture in the soil, so add plenty of compost leafmould, and manure

    TOPSOIL  +  MULCH                                                        TOPSOIL  +    MULCH                   

    TOPSOL                                                                  TOPSOIL                                               

                                                   SUBSOIL PATH                                                                              

Use topsoil dug from paths to raise beds use bark to line paths so you don't get muddy boots, when there is excess rain it will drain into parh channels and not waterlog your plant roots !

If you add lots of organic compost and manure etc the soil will still retain moisture. Mulch the soil with anything organic that the worms will enjoy munching - straw, grass clippings dry weeds, dry dead plants on the path and add to the mulch. The mulch prevents loss of moisture by evaporation - just plant through it then replace mulch around your plant.      Worms will come right up to eat the mulch and dig your soil for you, leaving channels that aid drainage and soil nutrients for your plants 

boards to hold soil is optional if not used you can plant sides and top of bed