In nature, bogs are wetland ecosystems with soils consisting
mainly of decayed organic matter. They are found in low lying areas where water
collects. In a landscape, a bog can be designed to turn drainage problems into
assets. Among the plants that flourish here are sedges, rushes and cattails.
 A
bog or wetland filter is where water rises thru a bed of several grades of
gravel and plant roots that filter the sediments and reduce nutrients that in
turn purify the water. Working with mother nature to balance the water garden
with a variety of plants help the process along with varying depths of roots to
grab and use the nutrients.
What is a bog???
A bog is simply an area that has a wet, spongy and acidic substrate composed
mainly of sphagnum moss and peat. Bogs lack the circulation necessary to supply
nutrients and the only source of fresh water is rain. Therefore, bogs are
virtually nutrient free. In nature these are usually vast areas but they are
easy to make on a small scale.
Mini - Bogs
A mini-bog really isn't anything other than a large drainless pot. The soil is
the same carnivorous soil we always use and the "pot" can be just about any size
or shape, whatever container you want to use.
Mini-bogs moisture levels must be maintained, they are not big enough to stay
wet from the rains. They also flood easily, so drain holes may be in order along
the sides. Cover them with a screen or the media will wash out.
Full Bogs
Full bogs are for the serious. It takes hard work and a fair amount of money to
create one. Full bogs are basically like mini-bogs except they are much larger.
Bogs can be made above ground or built into the ground.
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