THE BOG GARDEN 103 



compost, according to the requirements of the 

 future inhabitants. 



As the soil of the bog garden in general 

 needs to be richer and heavier and to contain 

 more vegetable matter than does that of the rock 

 garden proper, some old manure, leaf-mould, 

 and peat can be dug into it with advantage, 

 after the surface has been thoroughly cleaned. 

 The reader should note most particularly the 

 necessity of getting the ground perfectly clean, 

 for nowhere do weeds grow so rampant or 

 increase and multiply with the same extra- 

 ordinary rapidity as they do in the bog 

 garden. If the ground be not clean and free 

 from weeds to start with, the rightful denizens 

 will have but a poor chance in the struggle 

 for existence, so let no trouble be spared nor 

 time grudged in the preparation of the garden, 

 for if properly done the extra trouble expended 

 will be more than repaid. 



A few stones half buried may be placed in 

 the bog garden, more especially on the higher 

 and drier spots, for many bog plants like to get 

 their roots under and around them, just as do 

 their neighbours in the rock garden. 



