While drought is a very serious issue for many gardeners,
others are faced with a much different obstacle – too much water. In regions that
receive heavy rainfall in the spring and summer seasons, managing moisture in
the garden and throughout their property can become quite difficult. This, in
tandem with local regulations restricting drainage, can cause quite the
conundrum for those looking for the best options for their yard. One
possibility, the development of a downspout bog garden, is an excellent choice
for those looking to add diversity and interest to their home landscape.
Creating a Bog Garden Under a Downspout
For those with excess runoff, rain
gardening is an excellent way to optimize growing space that may have been
thought unusable. Many native
plant species are specifically adapted for and will thrive in locations that
remain wet throughout the growing season. Creating
a bog garden under a downspout also allows water to be reabsorbed into the
water table more slowly and naturally. Managing the water from a downspout is a
great way to reduce water pollution and the impact it can have on the local
ecosystem.
When it comes to creating a gutter bog garden, ideas are limitless. The first step in creating this space will be to dig the “bog.” This can be as large or small as needed. When doing so, it will be important to keep in mind a rough estimate of just how much water will need to be managed. Dig to a depth of at least 3 feet (91 cm.) deep. In doing so, it will be especially important that the space slope away from the house foundation.
After digging, line the hole with heavy plastic. The plastic
should have some holes, as the goal is to slowly drain the soil, not create an
area of standing water. Line the plastic with peat moss, then fill the hole
completely using a mixture of the original soil that was removed, as well as
compost.
To complete the process, attach an elbow to the end of the
downspout. This will direct the water into the new bog garden. In some cases,
it may be necessary to attach an extension piece to ensure the water reaches
the downspout bog garden.
For the best results, look for plants that are native to
your growing region. These plants will obviously require soil that is
consistently moist. Native perennial flowers seen growing in ditches and in
marshes are often good candidates for planting in bog gardens as well. Many
gardeners choose to grow from seed or transplants purchased from local plant
nurseries.
When planting into the bog, never disturb native plant
habitats or remove them from the wild.
While drought is a very serious issue for many gardeners,
others are faced with a much different obstacle – too much water. In regions that
receive heavy rainfall in the spring and summer seasons, managing moisture in
the garden and throughout their property can become quite difficult. This, in
tandem with local regulations restricting drainage, can cause quite the
conundrum for those looking for the best options for their yard. One
possibility, the development of a downspout bog garden, is an excellent choice
for those looking to add diversity and interest to their home landscape.
Creating a Bog Garden Under a Downspout
For those with excess runoff, rain
gardening is an excellent way to optimize growing space that may have been
thought unusable. Many native
plant species are specifically adapted for and will thrive in locations that
remain wet throughout the growing season. Creating
a bog garden under a downspout also allows water to be reabsorbed into the
water table more slowly and naturally. Managing the water from a downspout is a
great way to reduce water pollution and the impact it can have on the local
ecosystem.
When it comes to creating a gutter bog garden, ideas are limitless. The first step in creating this space will be to dig the “bog.” This can be as large or small as needed. When doing so, it will be important to keep in mind a rough estimate of just how much water will need to be managed. Dig to a depth of at least 3 feet (91 cm.) deep. In doing so, it will be especially important that the space slope away from the house foundation.
After digging, line the hole with heavy plastic. The plastic
should have some holes, as the goal is to slowly drain the soil, not create an
area of standing water. Line the plastic with peat moss, then fill the hole
completely using a mixture of the original soil that was removed, as well as
compost.
To complete the process, attach an elbow to the end of the
downspout. This will direct the water into the new bog garden. In some cases,
it may be necessary to attach an extension piece to ensure the water reaches
the downspout bog garden.
For the best results, look for plants that are native to
your growing region. These plants will obviously require soil that is
consistently moist. Native perennial flowers seen growing in ditches and in
marshes are often good candidates for planting in bog gardens as well. Many
gardeners choose to grow from seed or transplants purchased from local plant
nurseries.
When planting into the bog, never disturb native plant
habitats or remove them from the wild.