Not Bogged Down in the Bog

The last time the area designated "the bog garden" was actually boggy was last March.  Since then there has not been one instance of standing water.  A few times the ground remained a bit soggy but not at all boggy.



Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratusz), Simpson's Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans)

Fortunately, the plantings in the bog are also adapted to periods of dry weather.  I do hope for enough rain this summer to create some consistent sogginess for these water loving plants. 

Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix), Cyperus (Cyperus involucratus)

The plants that hold up best to the combination of flood and drought conditions are the Florida natives.  These plants take it all in stride and still push out new leaves even when rain is but a distant memory.

Florida native Canna (Canna flaccida)

The one native Florida canna that had been planted in this spot last year returned this year but did not multiply.  I was really hoping for many more of these so I purchased two more last week.  I see these graceful cannas blooming bright yellow in the local ponds.  Perhaps once the summer rains begin my cannas will bloom. 

Soft Rush (Juncus effusus), Swamp Lily (Crinum americanum)

Conveniently, this area is downhill from one of the rain barrels.  I can attach a hose and let the collected rainwater trickle into the ground.  I feel a little silly watering "the bog garden" but until the summer rains arrive, that's what you'll find me doing.