Differences Between a Bog Garden and Regular Gardens

Do you consider yourself a gardening enthusiast? If yes, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the types of gardens you can plant. From regular gardens to organic ones, butterfly gardens, and of course, stunning, bog gardens, there’s so much to choose from.

Generally, though, regular gardens and bog gardens remain the two most popular choices. The former is because it’s easier to create and maintain, and bog gardens for their uniqueness and because they attract and house some exquisite plants and wildlife.

Here’s what you need to know about regular gardens and bog gardens.

What Do Regular Gardens Look Like

A regular garden is exactly what you think it is: the gardens most of us have had or seen while growing up. It could be described as a planned space with carefully placed plants, flowerbeds, trees, bushes, and shrubs.

Gardens may have many other elements as well, such as fountains, garden ponds, walkways, and retaining walls. Some of these features may classify the space as more than just a regular garden; for instance, a garden with many herbs may be described as a herb garden. On the other hand, a regular garden may have a pond with a lot of plantations, i.e., a bog garden.

What Is a Bog Garden

Bog gardens can be natural or artificial, and they’re incredibly beautiful eitherway. A bog garden is a space with very moist soil, and therefore naturally, plants that require more moisture will thrive in a bog garden.

Sometimes, a bog garden is created naturally within a regular garden when a body of water flows through the soil in a specific area. But it’s not very difficult to create a bog garden from scratch, either. In fact, if you have a garden pond, you’re already halfway there. Many artificial bog gardens are created on the side of ponds to get a regular water supply seeping through the soil.

How Do You Create a Bog Garden

Creating a bog garden may sound like a lot of work, but it usually isn’t. You might be able to accomplish this over a weekend.

Start by choosing a site that gets about 5 hours of intense sunlight. Once you locate your perfect spot, dig a 2 feet deep hole and keep the circumference of the garden as wide as you prefer. With the site dug, you can line the space with a pond liner. The liner should be pressed down to create a perfect base and garden walls. Make sure some of the liners are sticking out—it will be hidden later with small rocks or mulch.

Also, make sure there are drainage holes on the edge. The holes should be about 1 foot deep; these will keep the plants from rotting. Finally, fill the hole with peat moss, native soil, and compost. Add a little bit of coarse sand as well. Water the bog well and give it about a week to settle completely.

What Kind of Plants Can You Grow in A Bog Garden

Bog gardens are designed to host several native and exotic plants. In general, all plants that require a lot of moisture and sunlight will thrive in a bog garden.

American pitcher plants are popular in many bog gardens here. They feature beautiful, large flowers from May to October, in several gorgeous colors including red, pink, and yellow.

Another plant that is often spotted in bog gardens and may even prompt the existence of many gardens is the Venus flytrap. This plant is relatively rare in the wild but is commercially sold, and people buy these as houseplants. However, a Venus flytrap will typically die inside a house unless planted in a bog garden because it requires colder temperatures.

Some other plants you can consider for your bog garden are:

• Bog-rosemary (shrubs)
• Orchids
• Orange milkwort (weeds)
• Marsh marigold
• Blue-eyed grass
• Flag iris

Essential Bog Garden Related FAQs  

Bog gardens aren’t as common as regular gardens, and they can be a little tricky to plant and maintain. Here are some of the most common questions related to bog gardens that we’ve come across.

FAQ 1: What’s the best time to create a bog garden?

If you’re thinking about creating a bog garden, wait for early spring, or start in late winter. This is when plants are naturally ready to start a new life with new roots, and with its naturally rising temperature, the soil is also ready to accommodate them at this time.

Also, many animals make their way out of their winter nests at this time and would definitely cherish the new house you’ve built for them!

FAQ 2: What’s the ideal spot for a bog garden?

The ideal spot for a bog garden in your outdoor spaces is the sunniest spot you can find. This is because many of the bog plants you’ll be growing here are fond of sunshine, and therefore they’ll thrive if the bog garden is in a sunny spot.

Also, if you have a pond in your garden or backyard, then a bog garden can also be created alongside.

FAQ 3: Is drainage necessary for bog gardens?

Yes, drainage is necessary for the bog garden; without it, the plants will get destroyed, and the soil will start to smell unpleasant.

FAQ 4: Can you walk in your bog garden?

Ideally, no, you shouldn’t walk in a bog garden, as that will compact the soil. We suggest planning stepping stones or boardwalks into your bog garden to help you get around it.

FAQ 5: Do bog gardens require a lot of maintenance?

Bog gardens don’t require too much maintenance, but some basic measures are necessary. Here’s what you’ll want to take care of:

• Top up your pond in very dry weather so that the bog border remains moist.
• Mulch on an annual basis
• Don’t bother tidying up dead plants or fallen leaves; let it be part of the organic process to make the soil healthier

Also, if you want more tips related to bog gardens, or are looking for the best products for gardening, check out our other articles on BackYard Alpha. We also have some amazing online backyard designs you can explore!

Check it all out.