GCC Wildlife Area - Construct a Wasteland

Construction of a Bog Garden Habitat

A Bog Garden, like the Pond, can be a valuable asset to a Wildlife project. It is a habitat which can simulate the disappearing Wetlands, Marshes and Water Meadows which are under threat of development in this country. As such it will provide a habitat for plants and creatures which are related to the pond. However it is quite possible to construct such a area even if the project does not have a pond. It can be attached to a pond or be completely separate.

Preparation
The site should be on level ground and away from overhanging trees. It should be away from the main thoroughfares of the Wildlife Area, but have some access for close viewing. If a pond has been constructed, then it would be an easy option to extend into an area of wetland. The pond liner will have to be extended by an additional sheet of liner, or by including this in the initial pond dimensions (see Construction of a Pond). The water source will be the pond the level of which will overflow into the garden. If the Bog Garden is to be an isolated wetland area, then it will have to rely mostly on rainwater for its water source. In a natural wetland, some moisture will be drawn from the ground itself. However in a constructed garden, a liner will retain most of the water from above. This area will need some drainage to prevent water-logging; short lengths of hose can be pushed through the liner or puncture the liner with holes.

Click on the image to see a large-scale cross section of how a bog garden is constructed

Materials
Flexible Liner. It does not have to Butyl Rubber since it will not be exposed to sunlight. Heavy duty polythene will be adequate. For dimensions of the liner see Construction of a Pond. Allow a 15cm. overlap around the edge. The depth of the area should be at least 45 - 60cm. to prevent drying out of the soil in hot weather. Good, water-retentive soil. Use the soil removed from the excavation of the bog area. If sandy, mix with well rotted garden compost, leaf mould or a proprietary loam-based compost. Short lengths of hose for drainage holes in the bottom. Stones to anchor the outside edge of the liner whilst positioning. Logs to divide the area from the pond and/or to enhance the look of the garden. Water source - hose-pipe or watering can.

Construction
bog

1. Mark out the shape of the Bog Garden using a hose-pipe or rope. An irregular shape will give a natural look.

2. Remove any turf for use later.

3. Dig out a hollow, with gently sloping sides to a depth of 45 - 60cm. removing any sharp stones. Save the soil for use later.

4. Position the liner in the hollow and anchor the edges with the stones.

5. Make a few drainage holes in the deepest part either by pushing the short lengths of hose through the liner or simply piercing the liner.

6. Fill the lined hollow with the removed soil (mixed with compost if necessary).

7. Remove the stone anchors and cover the exposed liner with more soil and the turf removed earlier. Plants will eventually grow out from the bed and blend with the surroundings.

8. Wet the area thoroughly after the above construction is complete.

9. Planting. Container grown plants are the best for planting out this area. They should be watered in their pots, leave for about one hour before planting. If the wetland is next to the pond, then small plants are best placed near to the pond and the tallest ones furthest away from it. If the wetland is an isolated area, then the tallest plants should be in the centre of the bed and the smallest should be planted all around the edge. This will enable all specimens to be viewed from all directions. Ensure that all plants are well spaced to allow for the rapid growth to full size of wetland type plants. Be sure to keep the soil wet. Normal rainfall may be sufficient but in time of drought, extra watering will be necessary. When watering this area, it is best to let the water trickle onto the soil so as not to disturb the soiland roots of the plants. Use a hose-pipe and turn on the tap to allow the water to just drip or slightly trickle out. Failing this, use a watering can with a fine rose or take the time to gently trickle water onto the soil.

Moisture-loving Native plants:

Bog Bean (Menyanthes trifoliata)

Globe Flower (Trollius europaeus)

Oxlip (Primula elatior)

Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Purple Loosesrife (Lythrum salicaria)

Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi)

Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)

Bog Arum (Calla palustris)

Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum)

Marsh Betony (Stachys palustris)

Marsh Cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris)

Marsh St. John's Wort (Hypericum elodes)

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

Avoid Lady's Smock (Cardamine pratensis) if your area is small - it is very invasisve