Wetland is characterized by permanent water stagnation, of shallow depth or gorging the ground. In general, these sites are located at the bottom of a slope, near a water table, in a poorly drained area, on marshy land or near ponds or swamps. Permanently high humidity is not suitable for certain plants, which can still be planted and maintained on wetland.

Humidity can be permanent or seasonal, making it more or less difficult for garden plants to grow. Although water is an essential element for plant growth, excessive water supply can affect the development of flowers. Most garden plants cannot grow on soil too wet because excessive water asphyxiates the roots and may cause them to rot. On wetland, favour water-resistant plants and aquatic ones. Prior to gardening on wetland, proceeding to a drainage is an effective solution to dry up the ground. This technique primarily applies to muck and clay.

Plants that are well-suited to wetland

Trees, shrubs, evergreen bamboos, perennials, and several varieties of plants are perfectly adapted to wetland. According to their bearing, their flowering period, and the shape of their foliage, some plants can grow on wetland and produce flowers and impressive structures. It is possible to create a water garden in areas of permanent humidity and located near a body of water.

Among the garden plants adapted to wetland, we can include iris, water forget-me-not, monkey-flowers, ferns, Chinese silver grass and primrose. White willow, alder, holly, spindle, and common ivy are among the shrub and tree varieties suitable for wetlands. Some species of conifers and evergreen bamboos allow for the creation of stunning scenery on wetland.

Drainage to reduce humidity

In order to carry out gardening on wetland, drainage may be necessary to drain excess water and dry up the ground. Thus, plants that usually grow on relatively dry land can be planted in a drained environment. Drainage is usually carried out on clay or peat soil. It consists of mixing clay soil with three-year-old horse manure and topsoil. The mixture will create humus and new soil, which, when well-drained, will be suitable for most plants. To drain the ground, build a 2% slope, and position devices 15 inches away from the ground’s surface. Drainage can be carried around the base of trees and shrubs. Prior to planting, dig, on the tree or shrub’s planting site, a hole 40 inches in diameter and 30 inches deep. This pit will be filled with an 8-inch thick mixture of pebbles, broken bricks and gravel, and a mixture of sand, earth previously removed from the hole’s bottom, and stones. The hole’s upper part will then be filled with topsoil.

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Published in Specific by Alexander on 06 Jul 2011