I have clay soil in my west facing front garden, luckily the lavender don't seem to mind, but it's very difficult to grow other things there. I don't know if I'd prefer that or sandy soil.... I dump my cut grass onto my raised beds as well because we're not allowed to dispose of them as general waster, I think they help the soil, if not, then at least it's organic it shouldn't do much harm.

I hope you improve your soil condition. What will you be growing?