How To Make a Bog Garden - For Wildlife - DIY

[@charliensam]

I am so inspired by the beautiful backyard gardens in the U.K. Here in the states, lawns & patios take center stage, especially in a city like Chicago. It is time to change that mindset and bring some "wild" into my yard. Now I am off to find a barrel for a pond and plan out a bird/bee garden. 🐦🐝🌻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Michelle :) I wish all the gardens in the UK were like this one, the majority are but we seem to have a trend/fashion in the last few years for artificial turf and minimalist features, it's not just the resources that are used to manufacture this stuff but when the trend bucks, it's where it's all going to end up, landfill will be top of the list no doubt :( However, things are changing, as is evident in the wonderful community we have here on the channel and the many enquiries I receive daily from people wanting their gardens converted for wildlife :) Keep setting a good example where you are, it will be contagious hopefully - best wishes - Joel

[@Avigar1]

In northern Colorado every third home in my neighborhood has turned their lawn into a Perrenial flower/ pollinator garden and many of the backyards in have been transformed into food forests. It’s a trend here & part of my motivation to live here (though I am not a fan of the long winter! As I’m sure you are used to in Chicago!)

[@jackstone4291]

Make a massive pond in the ground if you can ! Way more wildlife and easier to maintain a larger body of water than a very small one…. There’s a few videos on here on how to do it and it’s so rewarding !!

[@helenavansatur9209]

I've listened to this multiple times ( ADHD 😂) as I'm disabled but in process of using a carboot liner as a shallow pond/ bog garden, taking notes on plants, im in Cambridge near the Gogs... so chalky!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you for the extra views Helena ;) I know the chalky Cambridge area soil well, and am actually envious when I think of what I'd be doing with it. If you need any help AT ALL then always feel free to drop me a line at [e-mail] and I'll happily advise on plants when you're ready. Best wishes, Joel

[@helenavansatur9209]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Joel you may well regret saying that 🤣🤣 thankyou that means a lot. .. I'll send you the pics 🙏😊😊

[@george-1961]

This reminded me off my garden today. Wet and boggy with standing surface water all over the garden 😀

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Be patient my friend.... be patient ;) I'll be round to see this for myself soon (what's the betting we have dry weather for weeks before I arrive!) - take good care - Joel

[@george-1961]

With this up and down weather you could be right 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@SisterDogmata]

In a few months we'll all be complaining about droughts. Hope the weather changes for you soon x

[@kevinking7860]

I made a traditional bog garden using a perforated liner a leaky hosepipe layer of gravel then some topsoil compost and bark chippings When we had that hot summer last year It dried out The plants survived but i wasn’t entirely happy The next one I made from an old fibreglass pond with no holes Filled it up to 6” with topsoil then water Much better result already

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Kev - great to hear of the new bog pond and yes it should last a lot longer without the holes of course. Well done for trying again and not letting it beat you :) Hope you're having a good weekend so far. Best wishes, Joel

[@NailahRoberts]

After turning my small patio into a wildlife pond with surrounding bog garden, I am now turning some of my front garden into a wildlife pond too.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Fabulous Nailah :) They're rather addictive once you see the difference they can make to so many creatures. Not sure if you have seen the videos on my front garden, but there will be lots of updates - best wishes, Joel

[@battleguybarry5973]

Cracking Joel what a haven for wildlife 👌

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Peter - really appreciate this :) Best wishes, Joel

[@lindawylie8275]

My garden is currently wild due to not being able to keep it under control. So I have decided to go with it and work on just having what I need to enjoy being outside with family and friends. Currently have snakes, pheasants, a woodpecker in an oak in the orchard, deer occasionally from a nearby park and goodness knows what else. Now I have a bath which I intend to sink and add a bog garden around the edge to increase the variety of wildlife. Finding your videos is brilliant and so helpful to allow me to create my own

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

The rewards of a wilder garden are many Linda :) So glad this was helpful, welcome to the channel and I hope you find lots of encouragement here - best wishes, Joel

[@3charactersforkhandle]

You need to do 1yr followups on these places. I reckon viewers would love it.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Alex, it's already planned for this year - unfortunately because I work all over the country it's difficult to be in the same place all the time and when one job's finished it's on to the next pretty rapidly - however, all previous works are now on my logistics maps so that when I'm back in the area or close by then I can film updates - one planned for two weeks time :) Best wishes - Joel

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Just in time for the start of my new pond!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Glad it was useful and helpful to you Daz, I must admit the way I was feeling that day the last thing I wanted to do was talk and take time out to do a video! ;) Best wishes, Joel

[@SisterDogmata]

Brilliant as usual. Another project to add to my ever growing to do list. You should really stop inspiring us with your videos. We'll all be so busy wilding our gardens this year.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You've fallen in to my trap! Haha - more habitats, more habitats... ! Thank you so much, I am absolutely overwhelmed and thrilled that there are so many people here in our new "community" that are making a difference for creatures so desperately in need, and you're just one of them :) I'm very grateful - best wishes, Joel

[@samjoseph7454]

Definitely going to try and incorporate a section of bog in my “mini nature reserve” (small garden! Haha). Have a part of my lawn which natural gets boggy so perhaps this will be a good starting point :)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Sam :) Your garden will be a vital resource for so many creatures desperately in need right now - if everyone considered their green space like you do then we could all make the same impact as many nature reserves do :) Best of luck with it, I'm sure you'll be rewarded for your efforts - Joel

[@LeonhardTube]

Good to know these tips it will help. Thank you for sharing.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're very welcome Leonhard - hope you enjoy the channel. Best wishes, Joel

[@CroatiaSurvival]

I’m starting a turtle pond build tomorrow and I’ll definitely try to include a little bog into it. Thanks for the inspiration

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You are very welcome - I'm a Croatia survivor too, what an absolutely wonderful place ;) Thanks for your kind words and support - do let me know how everything goes - best wishes, Joel

[@jackstone4291]

We probably want to see your wildlife garden now that you’ve mentioned it !! Whether it’s a work in progress or experimental we’d all love to see it. Great useful simple video that really inspires everyone and anyone to have a go at any level or confidence. Cheers again !

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Jack - thank you. There are two videos on the channel already, "My Garden in June" and the same for "May", might be best starting off with May :) I'm also currently working on my own front garden and am filming this to share with everyone, to show what can be done in a small space with maximum benefit for wildlife. Best wishes, Joel

[@jackstone4291]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton That’s great. Will check all your videos on your KZbin channel now. Looking forward to 20-40mins without the kids to watch it with a cup of coffee and a biscuit

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Jack - you might need quite a few biscuits ;) Hope you enjoy them, lots more to come - Joel

[@spags8223]

For all of the North American fans, please do your research when it comes to what plants you’re choosing. Purple loostrife is extremely invasive in the US and great lake region. I love the content!! Maybe consider a little heads-up regarding plant selection in your videos in the future.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Thats good advice for everyone

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there - unfortunately I'm stuck here in the UK and use native plants, but I understand completely about checking whether plants recommended are native to your own area - Purple Loosestrife is extremely beautiful and useful to pollinators here, but we also suffer the introduction of rhododendrons, even though again they provide much nectar for bees in Spring - thanks so much for your encouragement and understanding - best wishes, Joel

[@markhunter2244]

Excellent, will need to have a go at creating a small bog garden. It will make nice spring project 🐝

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely Mark - relatively simple to do and a lot less back breaking than a pond ;) Glad it was helpful - best wishes, Joel

[@ingivogelschar4429]

I want to build a Pond in my garden this year and will try to include Abig section to. Thank you for your inspiaring Videos.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Ingi - I really appreciate your support and would love to see some photos of the results - you can email me at [e-mail] - best wishes, Joel

[@donaldauguston9740]

Hi Joel: This was just terrific. Thank you for posting. DA - Vancouver, WA

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Donald - thanks so much, glad you enjoyed this one - hope you're doing well. Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@george-1961]

Another great video Joel 👌🏻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you George, so much :)

[@dbcooper1961]

I have runoff from a stream/falls into a disappearing pond, and in the overflow area I want to create a bog garden. This video gives me a great starting point to pan my next step.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

That sounds wonderful. I’m glad the video has given you an idea of where to start. Good luck and keep me posted 😊👍

[@epicweasley]

I’m so pleased I found your channel. Thank you 🙏

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I'm pleased too William - I try to upload about two videos a week so I hope it continues to help - I really appreciate your support, best wishes - Joel

[@geeker211]

This is great! I'm planning to make a pond with a bog garden next to it this year, this is so helpful....thanks so much, Joel!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You are very welcome :) You'll be rewarded for your efforts - best wishes, Joel

[@geeker211]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Joel, I hope I'm not bothering you by asking this, but...can a garden tiller be used to soften the soil before digging a pond? Just wondering because I'm getting on in years and I'm questioning my digging capabilities, hahaha....I will be having help from family members, hopefully :)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@geeker211 Yes, of course, anything to make the digging easier - if this fails you could always get a couple of pigs in, they'll soon sort it out ;) Joking aside, this will be absolutely fine - hope you get some help too - best wishes, Joel

[@geeker211]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 😅 thanks!

[@formicapple2]

Joe, you are very generous with your knowledge and skills. Last September I was inspired by the three vids of wildlife pond construction. Dug 3 ton of soil by hand, discovered I’m not 19 anymore and lined the pond with clay as I had limited topsoil. Pond has dragon flies and damsel flies, pond skaters and water-boatmen that I purchased from a Uk licensed supplier. All thriving and is a great wildlife pond. Never seen so much wildlife attracted to my garden. Was wondering what to use the leftover fleece and pond liner you supplied me. Mrs suggested a bog garden. This vid is inspirational, as is your book. All I need to know how to create an ideal habitat for wet loving plants. Placing my order for the plants this week. Hope you have them in stock.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there - so good to read this comment this morning, I'm really grateful :) Your support and encouragement means a lot and I'm so glad there's another habitat for wildlife already created and even more shortly! Well done, I know how it feels after digging 3 ton of soil by hand :) Really pleased the pond is bringing so much satisfaction already, you'll continue to be rewarded I promise - best wishes to you and the Mrs, Joel

[@tiagosnoddy738]

This video is so helpful because I was thinking of making a bog garden for the frogs. Sadly as I live in Northern Ireland there aren't any newts or at least i have never seen one here. Love the video.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there :) I believe the Smooth Newt is resident in Northern Ireland... I hope they reach you and find the oasis you are making - so glad you enjoyed this and that it was helpful - best wishes, Joel

[@micksmusicchannel]

Great content Joel and great adding pictures of the plants flowers for people to see. Very informative. Have a great night pal 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Mick - thank you - it took a little while to try to find photos of all the plants, I knew I had them somewhere but it was quite a feat editing this one. Glad you enjoyed it - best wishes, Joel

[@micksmusicchannel]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton keep up the great work Joel 👍

[@wildlifegardener-tracey6206]

What a great addition to any wildlife garden this will be. Brilliant clear explanation and superb plant information. Nice one Joel.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks so much Tracey - really glad you enjoyed this and found it helpful - best wishes, as always - Joel

[@arsyajayanegara4377]

Berkunjung kesini, Purwakarta, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Saya akan senang untuk mengunjungi! Terima kasih banyak atas dukungan Anda - Saya harap Anda menikmati video - salam hangat untuk Anda di Indonesia, Joel

[@hermanhale9258]

I had a natural pond/big mud puddle forming one winter in the middle of my backyard a few years ago. It looked horrible. I put in some flower beds, slightly raised. Now I want to pull one of those flower beds out and have a bog.

[@chrisgell9052]

Much inspiration here for our next project, having successfully set up a wee wildlife pond which attracted some frogs last year (lockdown project inspired by your videos). Keep the great videos coming Joel.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Chris - thanks so much for your encouragement and support, it means a lot. So glad there's another habitat for wildlife in your garden - not sure if you have seen the video yet but I have been asking people to send in photos/footage of their ponds so I can collate these - search for the recent video "I need your help" from a few days ago and the details are there - would really love to see your pond too - best wishes, and thanks again - Joel

[@PaulOutdoors]

Another inspirational watch and listen Joel (battling on despite that cold 😉) packed with enthusiasm and wildlife enhancing information. I don't have a bog garden in my current garden but have had at previous addresses and what a great addition they are. The meadow the other side of my hedge is boggy at this time of year and Ragged Robin and Cuckoo Flower can be seen through spring. All of your plant selections more than pay their rent. Purple Loosestrife and Marsh Marigold have always been two of my top favourites. Thank you. Paul 😊#natureistheantidote

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Two of my favourite plants, the Ragged Robin and Cuckoo, but that's because I have a penchant for the early emerging Brimstone and my all time favourite, the Orange Tip :) All these plants are such vital sources of nectar for so many insects, as you know already - thanks again for all your support, it's appreciated - best wishes, Joel

[@PaulOutdoors]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton That's a good penchant to have Joel. Two lovely butterflies that gladden the heart each and every time that they are seen 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@PaulOutdoors As always, I couldn't agree with you more Paul :)

[@judithhope8970]

I have heavy clay and although it isn't always very pleasant to work with, it does hold all the compost I add to it, unlike a sandy soil, which will allow that compost to be washed away. I can grow nearly anything in my garden, so many plants love it. Please don't think you have to change your soil if you have clay, it is easy to enrich and easy to make varying environments to suit so many different plants. Love your videos Joel. I can appreciate how endlessly digging cold damp sticky clay can make you biased. xx

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Judith - thank you for this advice for people "suffering" clay soils - the only reason I recommend subsoil for the pond projects is it's lack of nutrients and helping to keep pond water clear. Thanks so much - best wishes to you - Joel

[@judithhope8970]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton This is so true, I just didn't want people with clay soil to think they can't garden it and give up when it can be so abundant. You do wonders with all soils and I love your videos.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@judithhope8970 Hi Judith - thank you so much - we are building such a wonderful community on here and your advice is really important - best wishes, and so glad you're enjoying the channel - Joel

[@mstainthor1947]

Thanks Joel, I know you were planning this already but great minds think alike? Interesting that you didn't puncture the lining. My current one I did, it worked fine mind. But a shout out for Meadowsweet, although your list most comprehensive. Putting old wood in also interesting. On my pond where liner was showing I have covered the steeper sided with bark/"sheets" of wood. To make even more popular with dragonflies

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there :) You prompted this for sure - it did give me flashbacks to how much I ached with that cold but it was the best chance to get footage and make a video to show how vital these alternative habitats are - Meadowsweet... absolutely beautiful plant, I have some in the garden here, but in some client gardens on the small side I have to consider that it can spread similar to the yellow flag iris and hemp agrimony :) I bet you already have dragonfly larvae in the pond - best wishes, and thanks again for the reminder! Joel

[@mstainthor1947]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton oh, Def have the nymphs, last year was fortunate to witness one break through its carapace 😁🎉. Will keep an eye on Meadowsweet, thus far like my yellow flag, it's been well behaved

[@kathrynnorman2253]

What gorgeous pictures :)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you :) I hope I get a chance to go back in late Spring/early Summer and do an update video, but I work all over the country so have to wait until I'm close by to revisit all these ponds and habitats - hope you're doing well - best wishes, Joel

[@grahamedixie7007]

Good, practical knowledge. Many thanks

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Grahame, thanks so much for your kind comment, really appreciated :) Glad this was of help - best wishes, Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

Brilliant this joel and loving the intro at the start too 🐸💚🐸

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, appreciate that :) I tend to use the intro on the longer videos now - glad you enjoyed this - best wishes, Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton that’s brilliant joel looking forward to more videos 🐸💚🐸

[@dogproofwildlifegardening3164]

Another project to add to my list 😊 Great job as always 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Highly recommended, of course ;) If anyone can, you can - best wishes to you and yours - thank you - Joel

[@keithroberts42]

Great bog garden, i'm a bit limited for space but some of the plants will be going in around the pond. Was a bit worried you might fall back into the pond behind you lol.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So was I Keith! When uploading the video I remember how rough I felt and aching through that cold... keeping upright was foremost in my mind ;) So glad you'll be able to include these around the pond - a bog garden can be any size though - let me know what visitors you get :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@keithroberts42]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton just been out for my nightly safari, alas no frogs visible tonight, but still hopeful of some spawn

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@keithroberts42 They'll be there soon - they won't be able to resist! :)

[@453421abcdefg12345]

I think a bog garden greatly increases the number of wild plants you can grow in a relatively small area, I like a few Primula vialii around the low edge to give an interest ,and there are so many more plants that thrive in these damp conditions, not much chance of a bog garden here though, unless it is constantly topped up by the roof drainage, stay safe, and get over that cold! Chris B.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Chris - received your email - looks like we'll be more or less coming past you in June - will respond asap. You're right re the diversity possible in the bog gardens, I tend to let clients choose plants based on the clear information of how they perform and what maintenance will be required, and my own recommendations of course - so many possibilities around these bog gardens and pond edges - best wishes, Joel

[@korean_foot_traveler8655]

That's a really nice garden which I wish to make.❤

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there :) Thank you so much - I hope the video gave some good ideas and that you are enjoying the channel - best wishes to you, Joel

[@korean_foot_traveler8655]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Yaeh😀 I definitely got good ideas from your video. Have a good day.🙏🙌🙌🙏

[@williamsclive2900]

fantastic joel.... youve talked me into putting in a bog garden ... thanks for the upload... hope your all well my friend 😊😊 iv got a load of logs delivered soon for around the pond .... exciting times ahead 👊👊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I want updates and photos! I'm doing well, great weather over the weekend here in Essex, hope you're doing well too - best wishes, Joel

[@vincentlimagne9768]

Thanks Joel ! This is a place that i really would like to see how it has developed in 4/6 months …

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Vincent - this was filmed last year, I just need to get back to the location to be able to film the update - because I work all over the country, from Cornwall to Scotland and east to west it's sometimes difficult finding the time to return to the sites, but I have a list of them so that when I am visiting new clients or working close-by I take the opportunity for updates then - I'll be sure to film it - thanks for your support, best wishes - Joel

[@vincentlimagne9768]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thank you Joel for the answer ! I’ m going to modify a small place in the garden for a bog garden close to our tiny pond.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@vincentlimagne9768 Perfect place for it :) You will be rewarded with this additional habitat in place, in no time - it will provide additional refuge and hunting areas for newts and frogs for sure - let me know who you find there :) Best wishes, Joel

[@dip_emb_mexuk]

Do I need any more bog plants in the garden? Watching your videos can be fatal to my bank account Joel! 😂 We’ve already got a ginormous Gunnera that has taken up all the space 😢 would love to grow something else next to it :) and oh get well soonJoel!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Nittima, I'm doing fine now - this was last summer but I remember the aching/cold symptoms well! Gunnera will certainly take up some space for sure :) You can't have too many plants... can you ;) Best wishes - Joel

[@NewMindGarden]

Awesome video.. 🌷🌷

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you so much :) Hope you are doing well - best wishes, Joel

[@janiedunn637]

❤️ this. It’s absolutely brilliant. 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Janie - appreciated :) Best wishes, Joel

[@itsmewende]

This is similar in size to mine, just a bit wider. This makes me want to clean out my bog area now and add some other flowers. I wish I didn't have flagstone around the it now too.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Wende :) You may well have wildlife appreciating it already but with careful clearance and relocation of a few of the creatures while you "improve" it with more wildflowers they will be just as grateful when they're returned :) Best wishes, Joel

[@itsmewende]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton If we ever have nice weather here where I am in the states...clouds and wind and more wind...I'll do as you suggest and bring the prettier back =^)

[@neanderthalmoments5168]

Fantastic video, thank you!

[@colinjennings8778]

Would love to see that again when established, any chance?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Colin - tight and busy work schedule this year but when I'm back that way, hopefully early to mid June, I'll go back and get an updated video, dying to see it again myself but as I work all over the country it's difficult to get back to all the clients' gardens - will do my best - thanks and best wishes, Joel

[@chrisgale5634]

Brilliant!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Chris - appreciated :)

[@jaymurtagh]

Hi Joel , your videos are amazing, your knowledge of flora and fauna is fantastic. I have been wondering about a pond myself and I think you answered my question in this one. My garden is clay, stodgey mushy in the winter and like a brick in the summer. So guess I would have to import subsoil. Seems hard to get here in ireland. So in heavy clay soil importing subsoil would be recommended?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Jay - so sorry for the delay, huge workload at the moment so I am trying to catch up with everyone when I get 5 mins! I wish that we were able to supply to Ireland at the moment as we sell subsoil by the tonne bag! However, for lining the pond the soil you have seems that it will be fine, but for around the edges where you will be planting I would recommend "mixing" some sharp-sand in with the clay-soil that you are putting back into the pond. Forgive me if you have seen it on the channel already, but I made a 3 part detailed series about how I make the ponds, it's a small one in the video but the method and reasoning remains the same, whatever the size - here is a link to part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onzVm4Csa7mAorc Please, if you want to send any photos of the area that you are considering the pond or even if you have already started, do feel free to send them to me so I can help/advise further and see the soil - I can be reached on [e-mail] I hope this helps in the meantime though Jay - thanks also for your kind words and encouragement, they really do make a difference to me and keep me going! Best wishes, Joel

[@sleepmeditationasmr4553]

Thank you for the great video~~~~~~~~~

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're very welcome :) Thank you for your support - best wishes, Joel

[@alisonburgess345]

Ooooh - interesting !

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

How long until you find time for one Alison? ;) Best wishes, Joel

[@brownfamily3218]

Hello Joel. I agree with one of your other subscribers. You are giving us too many projects to do Ha-ha. I was thinking a bog garden would do well in the corner under the privet trees between the new trellis and the lawn. This is a difficult area to grow things in as it is shady and very dry because of the privet roots. I would need to create a drystone wall to level the ground as the lawn is lower than the border and I can keep the privet in check to let more light in. What do you think? You can just about see this area on one of the videos I sent you. Would I need to use fleece?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Great idea Karen - sorry for the delay here but I don't always get notifications on replies so have been having to trawl through a few videos to ensure I'm answering everyone! That sounds great, you won't need to use fleece unless of course you want to plant close to the bog area and indeed in it - having send that plants in baskets should be fine, but if it's dee enough of course :) Hope you're doing well - best wishes, Joel

[@jackstone4291]

Joel! What fleece liner do you use to go on top of the pond liner?! (Not the one underneath it)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Jack. We have it available on the Wild Your Garden online shop if you’re in the UK? Happy to recommend quantities etc if you need help with a pond build? If you can drop us a line at [e-mail], I’d be happy to help 😊👍

[@OhhhhhhhBugger]

I guess the idea of a "bog" is different over there than here in the states. Usually I think of a sphagnum bog specifically, like what we have here in the south east, where very unusual plants grow. This seems more of a wetland. Still creating a bog is the same idea, except you actually perforate the lining a little and allow some drainage. American pitcher plants, Labrador tea, sedges etc. all love that. Also, the substrate is important. I use 1 part peat, 1 part sand, and 1 part mica or pearlite.

[@hermanhale9258]

Is the substrate in the pond, or around it, or under it?

[@OhhhhhhhBugger]

@@hermanhale9258 You want it IN the pond, or lining. I have made multiple bog gardens that were essentially just holes in the ground with perforated plastic sheet and peat, sand, pearlite mix in them. Then a thick layer of pine straw on top to retain moisture.

[@hermanhale9258]

@@OhhhhhhhBugger OK, thank you. I dug a hole, but only about twelve inches deep. I put water in so I could soften up the ground and dig out some more. Now I have what looks like coffee with cream bog water. Not draining, but I guess the fine clay will pollute it without a liner. That recipe of yours is what someone else (Gary Perfect Soil, I think) gave to make potting soil for containers.

[@OhhhhhhhBugger]

@@hermanhale9258 Yeah, it's basically potting soil, with very little nutrition, like no fertilizer. You want to aim for super low nutrient, because that's what a lot of bogs are actually like, and excess nitrogen will actually kill a lot of native American bog plants, like blueberries, Labrador tea, sarracenia pitcher plants, sundews, flytraps, etc. Also, check your growing zone. I wouldn't try to grow most sarracenia lower than zone 6a in America, (5b maybe, but not 5a-2). Not sure how they zone things in other countries.

[@mariellebosart8829]

Thanks for the inspiration! Would a bog garden work in Sweden? Will all the plants survive a freezing winter when they have their feet in wet soil?

[@jakubmp]

What species of plant is the grass at the 2 bins, around the 10 minute mark of the video? Thank you!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Just had a brief look - it's not one of the ones I was planting and no real discernable benefit to wildlife, sorry I can't help on this, I really can't be sure but it could be a form of oat-grass - apologies, best wishes - Joel

[@neanderthalmoments5168]

Do you describe which plants are important to which species and why in your book? If not could you recommend a book that does? Thank you!

[@interspeciesfamily8043]

Just lovely. I must enquire though, what about mosquitoes. Are there enough little creatures to eat the larvae before they become mosquitoes? I ask because I am living halfway up the valley from the Mosel🇩🇪/🇬🇧Moselle river and even here my blood is YUM for mosquitoes. 😖

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there :) What a wonderful place to live! Even if the mosquitoes think so too :) The wildlife ponds, bog gardens and barrel ponds all attract amphibians, bats, birds and larger insects like dragonflies etc who all make a huge dent in mosquitoes and their larvae - I promise you will be rewarded with more than just bites :) Welcome to the channel and thank you for your kind words and support, it's appreciated. Best wishes - Joel

[@rachelpitt3298]

Hi! We’ve just bought our first house, the garden is pretty waterlogged and we’re looking at ways to encourage more wildlife so I’m looking into bog gardens. Do you have an update on yours? How’s it looking a year on? We don’t have a massive garden and I am slightly worried about us and our new neighbours getting inundated with flies - not sure we’d be making friends quickly if that happened!

[@francismeowgannou5322]

I've seen some videos suggest poking few holes in the lining so the bog can drain slowly. Is this not necessary? Also how do you source so many different kinds of plants?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Francis :) You'll find that the bog garden will "evaporate" gradually if it is shallow, although holes could be added to help drainage if it's a larger and deeper bog garden of course, which is likely to hold more water. Re the plants, they're all available on www.wildyourgarden.com (shameless plug but I worked hard with wholesale specialist suppliers to bring these plants I use in gardens to the public now :) ) - best wishes - Joel

[@francismeowgannou5322]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thank you! Hope you have a great spring!

[@ev1677]

I've ordered all my bits to make the same barrel pond as you by your instruction video and was thinking to make a bog garden next to the pond for another habitat but i dont have soil in my rented garden, its astroturf 🙄 could i create a bog garden in a large tray do you think?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Sorry to hear that, but I appreciate that renters don't have a lot of say - sadly. But you're still trying to do your bit and that's really admirable. You certainly could try a bog-garden, you'll have to keep it moist with a watering can in summer of course and the bigger you can go, the better. Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@ev1677]

@Wild Your Garden with Joel Ashton I actually have permission to do whatever I want with the garden as I'm renting from family but I don't have the know how to remove it myself and think it'll be beyond my pay grade to have it removed. I've pulled it up at the side to try and look if it's stone underneath and it seems to be glued to the floor if you can believe that 🤨

[@williamsclive2900]

hi joel iv been looking at pond pump nets to stop wildlife getting sucked into it.... im going to try 3 net bags from Sainsbury's... the nets that they put fruit in... 30 pence each ...ill try it out and ill let you know if it works ... keep up the good work the bog garden looks great ... ps iv rescuded more spawn 😊😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Great idea! Sorry I missed this, not sure I'm getting all notifications again :/ Keep me updated :) Best wishes - Joel

[@lizzieknight641]

Hi, we are working on a garden area at school. We have a wildlife pond but there is also an old small fibre glass pond. Do you think this would be suitable to convert to a bog garden? We would be looking to have more soil than water for this one. Thanks

[@hermanhale9258]

Anyone know if there is a wildlife corridor group in the USA?

[@markevans8596]

Joel, you mention a plant for Peacock Butterflies Kempagnomy(?) before Square Stemmed St John's Wort. Can you spell it out please as I can grasp the name properly. Thanks, Mark from Mottingham

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Mark - it's Hemp Agrimony, quite a mouthful, sorry if I went through this at speed but there were a lot of plants and I didn't want people to fall asleep half way through ;) Hope this helps - best wishes, Joel

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Oh, and you can find it here on the website, just search by name: www.wildyourgarden.com

[@paulsmith6943]

I,m going to construct a wildlife pond starting soon and I would like to incorporate a bog garden along side. I just wondered what happens to plants in a bog environment when its frosty? Wont the cold n Frost kill the plants? Can anyone offer me advice? Much appreciated .

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Paul, apologies for the delay. All plants I use are native to the UK, this means that they'd survive out in the "wild" and continue to flourish, so these are the right conditions for them. It does seem harsh to think of them "sitting" in that cold but they do fine naturally without our intervention. Hope this reassures you - best wishes for 2023, Joel

[@paulsmith6943]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks so much for your response, nice to know that my question didn't disappear on a cloud somewhere! Lol, I,ll probably have further questions ? Once again thanks.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@paulsmith6943 You're very welcome

[@beepdebeep572]

Once the plants grow will this become difficult to maintain, for example access to the deeper water?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there, sorry for the delay - no these won't cause a problem at all as they're easily accessible. The plants in the deeper water will always be floating leaved plants and can be easily managed from the edges if necessary. I hope this helps - best wishes, Joel

[@mithim99]

We will build a pond with a wildlife area this spring, hole already excavated and liner bought! Do you have any comment to the idea that i want to take the plants i will plant out of the nearby lake?

[@dosfisdo]

Would you say there's a bog standard, for bog gardens? C:

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Haha! Brilliant :) Hope you're having a good weekend Dave - best wishes, Joel

[@CariMachet]

I don’t want to be rude but I can’t understand all the plant names > from stupid America over here thanks for all your great data > is there any way you could do a plant list in the description????? I know it’s a ton to ask SORRY! Thanks for all your hard work

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Cari - it's not rude at all! I completely understand - I'll probably have to watch the video again to ensure I get them in the right order but I will try to do this over the weekend for you and of course include Latin names so that they're easier to decipher. I do understand that some of the common names aren't the same as where you are :) In the meantime, welcome to the channel, we have a great world-wide community here, all trying to help nature and the creatures that need us. Enjoy the weekend and I'll get the description up as soon as I get a chance - best wishes, Joel

[@georginaglover3813]

Can we see this garden one year on please.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Georgina, I work all over the country so it's difficult to hang around for after shots - but this year I am going back to visit many ponds and gardens created last year, to show them after :) Best wishes, Joel

[@FunnySurpriseToys]

Hi Friend! Thank you and have a happy day!😊👍228 and sub.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there :) Thank you, much appreciated! Best wishes to you - Joel

[@DarrenChilvers]

Excellent but if your bog garden is for carnivorous plants you would want same soil for bog and pond

[@patdelaney191]

👍😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Pat :)

[@at1the1beginning]

Why do you differentiate between clay and topsoil? The latter merely implies the top layer of soil which in most cases is darker than the subsoil because of the organic matter. Both are derived from the same mother material and doesn't imply the type of soil aka sand, silt or clay. Q: why would clay subsoil in a pond be bad for planting in? Doesn't matter what goes in, it'll all be waterlogged in the end, right? Also, I've got my doubts about some of the plants you've planted in quite a small boggy area. The iris, bog bean and watermint will each easily occupy the whole area in a couple of years given the chance.There's too many specimens in a crowded area. Is this intentional to kinda 'let them knock it out amongst themselves' ?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi again Lee - thanks for your input. The difference between the subsoil (not necessarily clay) and the topsoil is made clear in the video and previous videos - the less nutrient the better with ponds, otherwise you get more algal growth. For the bog pond it doesn't matter as you're not looking for clear water and clarity, as you would do in the adjacent pond - hence the difference in soils. Topsoil in a pond is "bad" because it does just as I explain in the previous sentence here, too many nutrients and cloudy murky water as a result (just like putting fish in a pond, they'll mess it up with their "nutrients" in the end). I've already said about keeping the water mint in check and planting the yellow flag iris (which you don't mention) at the edge of the pond so it can be kept in check - all these plants are vital for pollinators and other insects. I also clearly mention in the video the pond and bog plants that will grow really quickly - they'll occupy the pond much sooner than "a couple of years" for sure, and again this is mentioned and made clear. Hope this helps. Best wishes - Joel

[@at1the1beginning]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I understand that putting topsoil in a pond would lead to nutrient excess, but that wasn't really my question. I meant: would clay subsoil be different than sandy or silty subsoil? Because you made the former look so bad ("sorry if you have clay"). And even with rigorous chopping, those plants are still planted much too close to each other. No experienced gardener would in a regular flower border plant that close together or they'll be digging the majority up again in a few years time to give ample room to the rest (or even sooner as you just said). I've got other species of iris in my regular borders, and they grow like mad. The space you reserved for that flag iris is - with all due respect - the size of a hankerchief and though not IN the water, will certainly have outgrown it within a year. You're setting your client up for a maintenance nightmare, trust me. Unless they don't care what goes on (or takes over) from now ofcourse.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@at1the1beginning Thanks again - I've made my point and my 17 years experience more than proves that the way I landscape with wildlife in mind has many benefits - I'm not a general gardener, quite beyond that. I have no issue with your methods if that's the way you prefer so it's best we do our work in different ways, I'm sure you'll make a success of it. My clients care, which is why I'm in demand. Clay soil is the bane of many a gardener, I think we can agree on that. Best of luck with your vocation - Joel

[@at1the1beginning]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Alright, you do you and I'll do me. Let's agree to disagree. Clay has its merits though and there are pros and cons to every soil type. I have sandy silt now and this stuff (the subsoil) is like quicksand.

[@patcampton7163]

Don't agree about clay. My garden thrives on it. It does need to be enriched with mulches and improved but it allows some plants to survive drought .

[@sasquatchdonut2674]

The difference between you and me is i have bog gardens that destroy wildlife. Carnivorous plant bog gardens all the way

[@russellandree2079]

😮😮😊res😊3e3

[@chiarabay9364]

This is getting ridiculous. What the heck is square stemmed St. John’s wort? No nursery would sell this under this name. Tell us the proper Latin names otherwise how is anyone supposed to buy this without first having to google or research what you are talking about. No nursery in the U.K. sells ‘hemp agrimony’. The plant would be listed as Eupatorium in EVERY NURSERY IN THE U.K. . Why so unprofessional? You are not helpful to anyone. No other KZbin gardener spouts such rubbish.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Ok. There's always google - but you're wrong about no nursery in the UK selling Hemp Agrimony - we do at www.wildyourgarden.com - set up so everyone in the UK can access the plants I speak about and use in my own client projects - also all of the plants and products sold on Wild Your Garden are from the very same specialist growers I've used for 20 years. See how demanding you are in your comment? "Tell us the proper Latin names" - like I owe you personally. Maybe it would have been better worded "I can't google Hemp Agrimony and find the latin name, you couldn't take even more time out and let me know could you *please*?" I don't think I believe that you've visited EVERY NURSERY IN THE UK either, and I'm glad I'm "no other YT gardener" to be honest, really glad - I would challenge you to find anyone with my experience, anyone that's been out there creating these habitats for 20 years on a professional basis, and anyone else that has been championing this cause as long as I have and also giving that info away for free to not only the gardeners this channel was created for, but professionals and others gleaning the info I've worked 20 years to achieve - no one gave me the info for free that's for sure. That's a big claim regarding me being unprofessional - are you paying me personally for this info? "Not helpful to anyone..." you clearly don't read the comments from people that support what I do and glean information for free, to help the wildlife - and wildlife being the main reason I created this channel, is the very reason I'm not like any other channel. Sorry if this doesn't fit in with your clear demands, but I'm not about to change now, for anyone.

[@ireneNL9349]

@chiarabay9364 maybe you should have taken a pause before writing such a grumpy comment? Joel is a professional with many years experience, giving his knowledge and tips away for free. Of course it is easier for us to also see the Latin names, but Joel has a business to run and he must also earn a living. Google has become a very useful source of information we all can use, and you can too. Success with your own gardening experience and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine, even if it does not always go to plan 😊

[@wolfsbayne21]

Do u ever do carnivorous plants?