"Laura Corin" wrote in message
...

Has anyone constructed a bog garden and been successful? Any tips? We
have an area of ground which tends to be a bit damp (although not
actually boggy). I was thinking of surrounding it with willow for
shelter, which I would cut down regularly to create bright winter stems,
and then putting a perforated pond liner sheet into a hole to make a
good boggy bit. I like the idea of planting a willow bower to sit in
too.

What construction tips do you have? What have been your easiest plants?
I'm in Fife, five miles from the coast, on (I assume) somewhat acidic
soil. The proposed bog garden site is at least forty yards from the
house, so the willows are not a problem.

Thanks

Laura

Don't plant willow near water unless you have water to spare, they will grab
the lot, in fact they are excellent if you have wet ground and want it
drier. Dogwoods would be better for stem colour but even they will drink a
lot

Also before doing a willow bower (I assume you mean a living one?) take a
look at one, the new growth grows straight up and for me ruins the effect,
they look great in winter and just after pruning but the rest of the time 6'
of vertical growth looks silly. This I admit may prove a minority opinion
but at least be sure you don't mind the effect (its your garden not mine)
before going to the trouble

--
Charlie, Gardening in Cornwall
Holders of National Collections of Clematis viticella
and Lapageria rosea cvs
http://www.roselandhouse.co.uk