Question
Jeff or Jacob,

I was entertaining the notion of constructing a small bog garden. I was going to plant some Sarracenia, temperate Drosera, and a few Dionaea in my bog garden. I live in zone 6a...how well do you think a bog garden would do where I live (zip code 65063)? I was going to keep it relatively small and experiment how the above mentioned plants would do.

What are the main points to consider when constructing a bog garden? I tested the water from my pond-most of the water comes from rainfall...it was 55 TDS. Do you think this will be OK as far as watering a bog garden? I greatly any insight that you can provide!

Many thanks Jeff and Jacob!

-Derick-

Answer
Hi Derick,

A bog garden should do just fine in your area.  You'll need to mulch it for the winter for your coldest weather, but if folks in New York, Michigan and Canada can do it, you certainly can.  Your water sounds ok; it's right on the edge, but rainfall helps flush the soil when minerals do start to build up.  Here's a link to a good basic bog garden plan.  http://www.pitcherplant.com/bog_making.html
The biggest battle I've ever had with bog gardens is keeping the weeds out.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com