How to Build a Swamp-Like Garden

Choose a secluded, protected area for your bog garden that gets partial or dappled sunlight. The area must get plenty of warmth during the day. Protection from the elements and shady conditions help keep the soil moist and prevent your swamp plants from wilting under harsh conditions.

Dig a square hole about 14 inches deep for your swamp garden bed. Smooth the sides and bottom of the bed as much as possible.

Slip a pool liner into the bed, pressing it down against the sides and into the corners. The pool liner ensures the swamp plants stay moist. If planting in a marshy area, you probably don't need a pool liner. The soil is naturally moist and will likely remain that way.

Mix half of the soil from the hole with an equal part of compost and half a part of balanced fertilizer. Swamp plants require plenty of nutrients in the soil.

Scoop the soil into the lined plant bed in 4-inch layers, stepping on each layer to gently pack it down. Stop when you have about 8 inches of space left in your hole.

Place each of your swampy seedlings into the space, gently scooping soil over the roots and pressing it around the base. Put taller plants near the back of the bed and shorter plants near the front. Space them all about 10 inches apart. Cardinal flower, marsh pink and seashore flower are just a few choices for your seedlings.

Scoop the rest of the soil into the spaces between plants, pressing down gently. Water the area until the soil begins to look slightly muddy on the top. Water this way each week, or every three days if the weather is dry.