I, too, have had to become adjusted to the red clay soils of northern Alabama from sandy coastal soils of SC. I'm thrilled to report that I am completely impressed with the possibilities. First of all, remember that red clay soils produce some of the nation's finest agricultural crops. So, it can't be ALL that terrible!

If your property does not drain well in any area, you should address that first. Raised beds or add some drainage. Other than than, here's what I've done.

We've added mucho organic matter ONCE. We used composted bark fines and leaves. You can use anything you wish. That was tilled in well and then mulched well. I used layers of newspapers under a 2 or 3 inch layer of bark chips. Those beds will continue to be mulched (VERY important with clay soils), and we will be adding compost, organic solutes, etc. from now on. I don't like disturbing the soil over and over again, as this disrupts the natural porosity that soil makes, as well as the permanent earthworm tunnels.

You will need less fertilizer and will need to be careful about how you water with your clay soil. FEEL before dragging out the sprinkler.

We added a couple of large perennial beds that did wonderfully in the full sun. Even after days of rainy weather! Trees and shrubs adjust wonderfully. Planting and transplanting success rate is 100%. And this is soil that 'pings' when you try to take a shovel to it in the hot summer. We have to water a spot just to insert a small pole for a bird feeder pole!