Bog gardening

I have a very large, natural pond in my garden, which is spring fed. It also takes water 'run off'' from the road. I've just had a lot of the old overhanging trees removed and was thinking of making it into a Bog Garden as there is so much silt in it, which has built up over a number of years.

Any suggestions for plants or a good book to help.

PRH.

Hello PRH,

That sounds like a wonderful idea. There are some great plants that you can use, often referred to as 'marginal plants'. Have a look at Joe Swift choosing marginal plants for a garden pond, or Chris Beardshaw growing marginal plants in a pot.

Good luck,

Emma

gardenersworld.com team

I believe you'll success, and good luck to you

cant wait for photos...sounds lovely...im watching my gunnera mannicata growing at the moment..it makes a monster of a plant...google it, its one of my favs if you have room for it!!

Hi PRH

Not a native but Lysicitum Americana Skink Cabbage is a cracker.

Please beware invasive species.  Skunk cabbage I believe is one.  Thousands of pounds are being spent to eradicate this and other like parrot's feather, giant hogweed, Himalayan Balsam amonst others.  RHS has a bookklet called Palntlife - keeping ponds and aqauria without harmful invasive plants.  Do look it up.  I am sure you can google it.

Sorry for typos.  One should rread Plantlife

I lost my gunnera, just as well probably! I was determined to fit it in my bog garden but they do become massive. 

I have some calla lilies that used to flower beautifully, but haven't for a few years, some yellow & blue iris. I did have a dierama, angel's fishing rod but lost that too. 

The things I have lost are either due to the harsh winters, or due to the hosta taking over a bit. After years of them being eaten by slugs, I managed to grow one as there's so many feet of gravel all around the bog probably. However now the novelty is wearing off, I guess I ought to tame it & let other things have room! 

There are a lot of lovely plants that thrive in these conditions, but choose carefully.