Winterizing a Large In-Ground Bog Garden in Chicago (Zone 5)

For a 4×6 ft bog garden in Zone 5:

Covering Strategy

• Layer 1 (on plants): New horticultural burlap (not used sacks—fungal risk). Spray burlap and plants heavily with sulfur fungicide.
• Layer 2 (insulation): Pine bark mulch, 6–8 inches deep over burlap.
• Do NOT use plastic or foam between burlap and mulch—traps moisture, encourages rot, prevents "breathing."
• S. purpurea: Don't cut pitchers if they're short (< few inches). They overwinter fine.

Why Burlap?

Allows gas exchange, sheds water, insulates, and doesn't create a greenhouse effect like plastic.

Resource

DVD Volume 1 has full winter care segment. cobraplant.com/DVD

Good Growing!

Jacob Farin