A bog garden is one of the most interesting additions to any pond setting. The use of some great bog plants will bring beauty and color to your surrounding area.

Going Natural:

If you have a natural boggy moist area in the setting you should consider turning it into a bog garden. You do have to be sure that the area is a bog type all year round, not just in the rainy seasons.

Construction:

Creating a bog garden is not rocket science. If it is not a natural bog area you must make it so. This is done in the initial construction of the pond and must be incorporated in its design. The easiest methods of construction are using PPL pond liner, the same material used in liner ponds. Next to the pond dig a shallow area about 18" deep. Use sand that was used in the bottom of your pond and spread a couple inches before installing the liner. This liner can be an extension of the pond liner or a separate one. If it is separate and a part of the pond, be sure that the bog liner extends over into the pond ON TOP of the existing liner and secured using double faced repair tape.

Place a layer of stones between the pond and the bog to retain the soil. Be sure these are higher than the intended level of the water in the pond. Fill the bog with organic rich soil. This soil should be even with the top of the stones you laid. Fill the pool and allow the water to seep through the rock into the bog area until it is saturated. Note that some sinking may occur, so plan on adding more soil later.

Bog Garden Independence:

If placing a bog next to the pond is not an option, you can opt for one independent of the pond. There are a few differences however.

Be sure to dig the home for the bog to have a minimum depth of 24". Line it with a pond liner like PPL. Fill with organically rich soil.

For moisture you can simply water the bog or place a snake pattern with a soaker hose between the liner and the soil. Leave the hose connection end just above the surface of the soil and hide with plants or a large rock. Then just connect your garden hose occasionally and let it water your bog for you.