can a bog garden survive major rainwater runoff?

18 years ago

We have a metal roof with no gutters, and whenever it rains massive amounts of water drain through the area where I'm hoping to have a small bog garden (maybe 4' by 8' by 18" deep?)

My thought was to place the bog at the uphill end of a water garden we recently had dug, so the rain runoff from the roof would filter through the bog en route to the pond.

Even though this spot is at the bottom of a terraced hillside where my compost pile and garden beds are, I think I can direct the nutrient laden runoff from the gardens around the bog (since I've learned on this site that most bog plants don't appreciate fertility.)

My biggest concern is that when it rains the bog will be overly inundated with the rainwater runoff. Is this a workable situation or do I need to alter my plans? Thanks for your help. Lisa-Devon

Comment (1)

kwoods
18 years ago
You'll probably get some differing opinions on this but I myself would go for it. The amount of water isn't going to matter nearly as much as the quality (very low nutrient/mineral content/low to neutral ph) and the medium you use. I would alter the mix to be a little less water retentive, use more sand. I might also give it a bit more drainage. As long as it's full sun and the water doesn't actually disturb roots or really pool for very long periods of time I'll bet you'll be ok.

I had a bog that got lots of runoff and groundwater, not ideal because it's hard to keep conditions constant, but do-able.

Remember, fertilize the lawn once and it runs in there you lose the whole bog in one fell swoop. I'm assuming CP or similar acid bog since you mentioned low nutrient.
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