Charles Thomas, founder of the International Water Lily Society, shows how to create a tranquil bog garden in a container--a project that provides an easy way to enjoy the beauty of wetland plants.
Steps:
- Select a durable watertight container with a depth of 12" to 24". (A wheelbarrow is used for this demonstration.)
- Add gravel to the bottom of the container leaving plenty of room for the pots; this discourages mosquitoes and weeds and helps hold plants in place. To eliminate gravel dust, rinse the gravel before adding it to the container.
- Deciding which plants to include is the most satisfying part of this project. Many suitable varieties can generally be found in neighborhood nurseries; the plants can also be ordered by mail. Most are rather inexpensive. Consider these ornamental foliage plants for the bog garden:
- Umbrella palm
- Dwarf papyrus
- Taro
- Caladium
- Parrot's feather
- Creeping jenny
(The last two varieties will hang over the side of container and require more light than the other plants.)
Once the plants have been selected plant each one in its own pot with a hole in the bottom through which it can absorb moisture. Plastic or terra cotta pots need to be at least 4" to 8" wide and 4" or more in depth, but always shallow enough to fit in the large container.
- Since each plant has its own pot, there is no need to worry about a fight for nutrients, space or water. The only concern with the placement of the plants is aesthetic. To complete the project, top off the entire garden with gravel, which should cover the tops of the individual pots and fill the large container to about 2" below its edge. Once the gravel is in place, add water.
- Bog gardens require only minimal maintenance. Simply place the container in an area with ample shade and maintain the water supply as needed (usually once a week). To fertilize bog plants, use lily fertilizer at half the rate used for lilies. Move the garden inside for the winter.
Guests Charles Thomas
President / Author / Horticulturist
c/o LilyPons Water Gardens
PO Box 10
Buckeystown, MD 21717
Toll Free Phone: 800-999-5459
Fax: 301-874-2959
Email:
info@lilypons.com
URL:
www.lilypons.com
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