How to Make a Natural Bog Garden

Creating a bog garden is inexpensive and not at all that difficult. Position it in a location that looks as if it could easily become waterlogged.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spade
• Utility knife and/or scissors
• Pond-grade butyl rubber sheeting:4ft x 4ft x 1/10in (1.2m x 1.2m x 2mm)
• Crushed stone: 110lbs (50kg)
• Irrigation tubing
• Selection of round river stones and pebbles
• Selection of plants suitable for marshy conditions

1. Once you have found a suitable spot for your bog garden, excavate an area no less that 1 1/4sq yds, to a depth of 8-12in. Keep the soil on one side as you will need to replace at least half of the soil later.

2. Position the lining in the hole and trim to the shape of your excavation. It is not essential that the liner extend to ground level as its function is to trap some water, rather than contain it. In any case, it should extend above ground level.

3. Spread a thick layer of gravel or crushed stone over the base of the bog garden. This need be no more than about 2in thick. If you are going to irrigate the area, lay the pipework now. It may either be attached to the irrigation system in your garden, or fitted with a hose connection at one end.

4. Plant with any species that will thrive around the perimeter of ponds or in marshland; lilies, flowering rush, marsh marigolds and irises are all suitable. Edge with round river stones to define the perimeter of the bog garden.

Tips & Warnings

• Since a bog garden must be kept moist, if your garden is large and you have an irrigation system, you may want to include the bog garden in the scheme. If so, perforate the tubing used within the section and do not use risers. The water will seep out into the bog garden and keep it damp.