Bog gardens may be created in naturally waterlogged spots, such as alongside streams or ponds. Planting moisture-loving species in these areas provides an excellent opportunity to introduce some interesting plants that would not survive elsewhere in the garden, such as the shiny golden flowers of kingcups (or marsh marigolds, Caltha palustris) or the lovely lilac flowering columns of purple-loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria).

However, if you're not lucky enough to have a natural stream or pond in your garden, then it is relatively simple to create the conditions for your own bog garden. The area next to man-made ponds may be dug out to form a large but shallow depression, producing an area that appears to flow directly from your pond, even though it is quite separate. Acid-loving plants can be catered for by using a compost with a low pH enriched with fibrous a organic material.

Read on for a step-by-step guide to creating a bog garden ...