Some gardens have permanently boggy soil: maybe they have a spring feeding into them, lie at the bottom of a hill and receive a lot of run-off water or their peaty soil retains moisture.
Whatever, a boggy area — and many larger gardens have at least one — will be damp even during dry spells. Rather than fighting against it you will be far more successful creating a lush, moisture-loving garden that thrives in the setting. One of the most memorable gardens I have visited is the fabulous Trebah, in Cornwall, which has a huge Gunnera forest and plenty of other moisture-loving plants that are happy to have their feet in the stream.
Although I say don’t fight your soil, there are some techniques that will improve things a little and increase the range of plants you can grow. Digging in plenty of grit and organic matter will improve drainage and make it less prone to clogging. Regular forking allows air to get into the soil, which permits stronger root systems to develop. If things are extra soggy consider building a pond at a low point — it will look intentional and any bog plants will sit happily alongside water.
My five favourite plants for boggy soils:
Matteuccia struthiopteris: The shuttlecock fern has an elegant upright habit and pale green fronds. Best in shade. Approximate height and spread 100cm x 45cm.
Advertisement
Lysimachia clethroides, Chinese loosestrife: Wave-shaped white flowers that remind me of flocks of small birds appear in summer on this rampant herbaceous perennial (90cm x 60cm).
Cornus sanguinea, midwinter fire: Many dogwoods thrive in wet soil — this one’s stems, yellow at the bottom and turning coral red, add winter colour (1.5m x 80cm).
Salix exigua, coyote willow: Lovely silvery foliage that is perfect for a small garden. Can be coppiced and pruned (5m x 3m).
Angelica gigas, angelica: A short-lived herbaceous/biennial with huge dome-shaped heads of purple flowers in summer above lush, deeply cut leaves (2m x 1.2m).