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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’re short on space or new to gardening, you might be looking for a way to test out your green thumb. A terrarium could be the perfect starting point. These contained indoor gardens are perfect for perking up your space, and what’s more, they’re kid-friendly and offer unlimited learning opportunities. Learn everything you need to know to get started with terrarium plants. We’ll talk about what they are, which plants grow best in these containers,
When designing a garden it can be difficult to know where to begin. How do you assess the space, draw up a plan, start planting? And what about paths, boundaries, seating and screens? Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or have inherited a garden that’s been designed by someone else, if your plot is small or shady, or you’re designing just one border, help is at hand. We’ve assembled a selection of garden design features to inspire and guide you through the process, from ways to b
The lush, verdant foliage and bold flowers of moisture-loving plants give bog gardens a unique look that injects the garden with color and excitement. Planted in the right conditions, a bog border will attract a variety of wildlife, including beautiful damselflies and dragonflies, and a wealth of insects for birds. It also introduces a wide range of plants that you might not have grown before, including fabulous Asiatic primulas, which bloom in vivid colors during late spring and early summer.&
Are you fed up with mowing the lawn? Then learning how to create a front yard permaculture garden might be exactly what you need. The average homeowner spends around 60 minutes each time they need to mow and edge their lawn. And this gets done 2.4 times per month on average during the warmer months of the year. All of that time spent on yard maintenance really adds up! A person will spend nearly two months over the course of their lifetime cutting the grass. Imagine if you