'Rdlvard Gillett, Southlvick, Mass. — 3og Qarden 
41 
Bog garden 
Bo^ Garden 
The wet, sprinfry bank can be made a choice spot under the magic touch of the progressive 
gardener of today; for here are the requirements fora true bog garden, — plenty of moisture, 
and, at the same time, a chance to drain ofT the surplus watei. 
If running water is available, one can have his bog garden just where he wishes, by the 
drive or path and in any shape or size desired. 
The above cut represents a bog garden by a path in our flower-garden, made last summer. 
It is about 15 feet long and 6 feet wide at its widest part; it is in open sun, where most of our 
bog-plants usually grow, the coloring being finer than in the shade, 'rhe soil was dug out about 
15 inches deep and with slanting sides, small stones the size of a hen’s egg, or larger, were 
pounded down into the soil on bottom, and sides as thickly as possible and on this foundation 
we spread about 2 inches of best Portland cement, covering the bottom and sides. When dry, 
a good coat of lead and oil was applied to the cement, which would help to make the basin 
water-tight. Holes were made in the sides 7 inches below where the plants would be set; 
that is, when the plants were set in the soil they should be about 7 inches above where the water 
stands. The soil acts as a sponge and draws up enough moisture for the plants. We filled this 
basin with good garden soil and leaf-mold, and when the water was turned on and allowed to 
settle for a day or two, so surface of soil was about 5 inches above the drainage made in sides, 
it was ready for the plants. 
At the right and back of the Sarracenias we planted several Black Spruces a foot high, 
and near the left are colonies of Andromeda poUjolia, Cassandra and Labrador Tea, all about 
8 to 12 inches high; little .American arborvit^e, 6 to 8 inches high; Cypripediums, Sarracenias, 
Water Iris, Gentians, Acorus, Callas, Calthas, Droseras, Venus Fly-trap, Cranberries, Fringed 
Orchis, and all little colonics were packed with Sphagnum Moss, so the spattering would not 
get on the leaves; this Sphagnum will grow. 
ACORUS Calamus (Sweet Flag). Grows in low, wet places. Leaves light green, i to 3 feet 
long. 'Fhe rootstock has an aromatic flavor well known to people of New Plngland. 
Desirable for shallow lakes and wet places. 10 els. 
A. Calamus variegatus (Variegated Sweet Flag). Leaves beautifully striped with white. Easily 
grown, in any garden soil. 20 cts. 
CALTHA palustris (Marsh Marigold). 6 to 15 inches high. Flowers bright yellow in spring. 
A very showy plant in wet places, both in sun and shade. It can also be planted in brooks, 
water 2 to 4 inches deep; for massing, plant i foot apart. It can also be grown in pots for 
forcing. 10 cts. each, $1.25 per doz., $6 per 100. 
CALOPOGON. Sec Orchids. 
CYPRIPEDIUM parviflorum. Sec Orchids. 
C. spectabile. Sec Orchids. 
DROSERA filiformis ('rhrcad-lcavcd Sundew). little bog plant with long, thread-like leaves, 
covered with short, red-colored hairs. Flowers rose-purple, along the upper part of the 
stem. 4 to 8 inches high. Wet, sandy soils. 10 cts. each, Si per doz. 
