Bog Garden

There are some areas in our landscapes that are just more problematic than others. Low spots that don't drain well, areas that flood often and stay moist, or those that border ponds or streams are especially troublesome to gardeners.

But these areas don't have to be wasted space in the garden if you select plants that are suited to these conditions and create a unique bog garden. Even if you don't have an area with these conditions, this type of garden is so interesting you may want to create one.

When planning the bog, you'll want to place some large stones as a path for access to the plants. Since this area stays fairly wet, you want a safe, dry spot to stand on when maintaining and enjoying the area.

Conditions Needed for a Bog

Any area that retains moisture can be turned into a bog garden. Rather than puddles, you want constant moisture. To create one, dig out a hole in the shape of a bowl, about 1-1/2 to 2 feet deep in the center. Line the hole with a sheet of 6-mil plastic or a pool liner.

Don't make the hole too small, as smaller areas dry out faster than larger ones. Consider the bog plants you want to grow based on the amount of sunlight the area receives. There are plants available that are suitable for shade or sun.

Bog Plants to Include

For shady bogs, include astilbe, monarda, ferns and hostas. For sunnier bogs, consider milkweed, Joe-pye weed, rose mallow, ornamental grasses, Siberian iris, blue flag iris and globeflowers.

For woody plants plant willows, swamp azalea and blueberries. Many bog plants multiply freely, and anticipating dividing them after a few seasons will keep your bog neat.

Maintaining the Bog

Whether it's a naturally low, wet area or an artificially created bog, never let the soil dry out. The water-loving plants you've planted need to have their feet wet to thrive.

To recreate the acidity in a natural bog, you can grow sphagnum moss to create a living mulch bed. Add a layer of oak leaves or pine straw for over-wintering the bog garden. Remove this layer in spring if you have a sphagnum bed; otherwise let it rot into the soil.

If you are adding only plants that are native to bogs, fertilizing isn't necessary, as these plants have adapted to the low levels of nutrients in bogs.

Your bog garden may well become one of your favorite garden spots, providing a serene and natural environment in your backyard.

Bog Garden

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