How to create a wildlife bog garden

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How to create a wildlife bog garden

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Tuesday, 5 February 2019 at 3:15 pm

Find out how to create a beautiful bog garden, packed with flowering plants for wildlife.

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If you don't want a pond or don't have room for one, a bog garden is a great alternative.

It's surprisingly easy to make and will soon become a valuable habitat for a wide range of moisture-loving wildlife, from newts and frogs to damselflies.

Many small insects will shelter in the lush vegetation, providing a food source for insectivorous birds. This is especially valuable when they are raising their hungry broods. Bats may even visit at dusk to feed on flying insects.

Follow our simple advice on creating a wildlife bog garden, below.

You Will Need

Garden spade
Butyl pond liner
Grit or gravel
Garden compost or leaf mould
Moisture-loving plants

Step 1

Adding grit or gravel to the pond liner

In a sunny spot, dig a hole 45-60cm deep and lay pond liner or thick polythene in the base. Make drainage holes, then pour in a 3-5cm layer of grit or gravel.

Step 2

Fill the hole with excavated soil

Fill the hole using the excavated soil mixed with well-rotted garden compost or soil conditioner. Trim the top of the liner so it's hidden just below the soil.

Step 3

Planting moisture-loving plants into the soil.

Plant nectar-rich moisture-lovers, such as water flag irises, marsh marigolds and purple loosestrife. Water well while they establish and add a thick layer of mulch.

Using old ponds

As well as creating a bog garden from scratch, bog gardens are also a good way to give old, leaky ponds a new lease of life.

Blue watering can

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