How to Make a Bog Garden

Last Updated: March 13, 2023 References Approved

A small bog garden can allow you to grow a range of interesting plants that enjoy being waterlogged and in the constant presence of water. It can be an ideal solution for the corner of the garden that's always just a bit soggy or a garden that's always in the shade and on the damp side. Here is how to create a bog garden.

Steps

1
Dig out the area for your bog garden. It doesn't have to be large but it should be at least one metre in depth. Also, digging out lawn space is preferable as it's under-utilised space and the turf is handy for lining the bog. Keep the turf that you dig up.^{[1]
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Research source
www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/wildlife-gardening/how-to-make-a-bog-garden-for-wildlife}
2
Line the bog area. Once you've dug the hole, use black plastic pond liner to line it. Poke a few holes in the liner here and there.^{[2]
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Research source
www.perrywood.co.uk/gardening-tips/create-a-bog-garden/}

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3
Line the liner. Shovel over a layer of gravel and pebbles. Make this layer about 8 centimeter (3.1 in) high. Cover this with a layer of peat.
4
If you cut the bog space out of the lawn, place the pieces of turf back into the bog, facing upside down. If you used a different part of the garden, place those pieces back into the bog.
5
Fill the hole. Using decomposed plant matter, peat, fibrous plant material, and soil, fill the bog garden in.^{[3]
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Research source
www.perrywood.co.uk/gardening-tips/create-a-bog-garden/}
6
Plant with suitable bog plants. Plants that might be ideal for your bog garden include:
- Hostas
- Bog primula (they need shade)
- Irises^{[4]
  X
  Research source
  www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=807}
- Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
- Forget-me-nots^{[5]
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  Research source
  www.backyardgardener.com/garden-tip-articles/garden-guide/how-to-make-a-bog-garden/}
- Polygonum^{[6]
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  Research source
  www.karensgardentips.com/plant-profiles-how-to-grow/plant-profile-mountain-fleece-polygonum-amplexicaule-aka-persicaria-amplexicaulis/}
- Crocosmias^{[7]
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  Research source
  www.gardeningattheedge.wordpress.com/category/bog-garden/}
- Monardas (wild bergamot)^{[8]
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  Research source
  www.cottagegardenplantsltd.com/page%2013%20monarda.htm}
- Some ferns.
7
Keep watered using a hose. The moisture content will be retained much longer.
8
Fertilise with a liquid fertiliser. Do this regularly.
9
Weed regularly. Like any garden, weeds will grow and they need to be removed on a regular basis. Sedges can become a problem, as can buttercups, which will grow like weeds. Japanese iris will also grow like a weed.

Community Q&A
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Question

Can I have a bog garden and a pond?

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Absolutely, you could do this. One way is to situate the bog garden alongside the pond, to keep all the water features like pumps, liners and plants together for ease of care and maintenance, as well as for sharing water. When building the pond, build the bog garden at the same time and make use of any liner pieces not used in the pond. Allow water from the pond to run into the bog garden but don't let the bog garden affect the pond or it may result in a buildup of too many nutrients.
Question

Can you suggest some suitable plants for a bog garden?

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Various suitable plants are suggested in the article above, including hostas, monardas and ferns. Other plants that might be suitable include rhubarb, day lily, Japanese flag iris, globe flower, striped grass and some primulas. Try to stick to local plants where possible; drop into your local nursery and ask them for suggestions of suitable plants for your area and climate.
Question

What can I do about snails eating all the plants in my bog garden?

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Set snail traps, such as those detailed in the wikiHow How to Get Rid of Garden Snails. If possible, add fish to your bog garden as these will eat the snails. Avoid using chemicals, as these can leach into the bog garden and any associated water, which can kill plants and wildlife.