The Wetland Garden

A case of confused identity and difficult conditions makes this the toughest challenge yet.

There has been a bit of head scratching with this section of the garden. Shady and wet, or I should specify wet for most of the year and complete bog in winter.

A Tricky Spot

Not much can grow in these conditions. And I lost plants I paid good money on here last winter.

Should I name you The Shade, Bush or Bog Garden? It receives very little sun in the early morning, dry in the corners, weeds galore here and its wetter than my toddlers night time nappy. Not much can grow in these conditions. And I lost plants I paid good money on here last winter. Gutted. Tricky conditions and a confused identity had me too scared to put anything in the ground.

Want Vs Need

This space needs to blend into the bush on the other side of my fence. It needs to merge the country gardens scheme and blend seamlessly into a bush setting. The plants chosen cannot be weedy and spread, its on a dry creek and any seeds could wash down stream. What I want is for it to look beautiful all year round with little attention from myself. But most of all I want things to flourish in summer and not die come the wet winter. Is this too much to ask?

Plant for Conditions

I need to source these by growing from seed and cuttings only.

Improving drainage is not really an option. There is an underground storm water drain right in the center so mucking around with pipes putting in a scorer drain is not an option - not that there is money for that in any case. I will need to plant for conditions then, I here you say. Right, but the ethos of this whole garden is not to go buy plants. I need to source these by growing from seed and cuttings only.

Right Enough Faffing About

The solution was sitting under my nose all this time. Doing my research diligently. It so happens that I already have plants suitable (hopefully), growing else were in the garden. Canna's grown from seed, Zantedeschia(Calla Lily), Ligularia Reniformus(Tractor Seat), Reed grass and Taro will all survive and flourish. The lack of sunlight was still a worry especially to get the canna's into flower, but so far this season they are doing well. Iris would also make an attractive addition if I can source some for free or very cheap. Ill stick with purples, whites and a bit of yellowy orange to keep it cohesive with the country garden. For added security I will build up the soil lifting the plant's root ball out of most of the wet. Hopefully that will do the trick and will be enough to turn this garden from blah to brilliant.