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.
Related content:
- 10 plants to grow in bog gardens
- Six essential features of a wildlife garden
- Creating a wildlife pond
Follow our simple advice on creating a wildlife bog garden, below.
You Will Need
- Garden spade
- Butyl pond liner
- Grit or gravel
- Garden compost or leaf mould
- Moisture-loving plants
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
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.
Using old ponds
As well as creating a bog garden from scratch, bog gardens are also a good way to give old, leaky ponds a new lease of life.
