Creating a small pond and bog

[boomfiziks1]

Greetings everyone. My wife and I purchased our first home and this past year we've had to clear out some trees. In the coming years, I'd like to put in little pond and bog area in the back of our property. I'm thinking of something along the lines of a natural/Japanese influenced design. We live in the north central area of Ohio, so I'd also like to stay with plants that can withstand our weather (zone 5). Any advice of where to start? Has anyone done this?

Thanks,
Dwight

 

[stephend007]

Dwight,

I can't think of a better use of your time. You can see how I did my small bog garden and how it has grown and changed over the years.

Make sure it gets plenty of sun. Mine is in bad shape because my redwoods have grown too tall and I don't get any sun to speak of except for the dead of summer.

Stephen Davis
Bog Garden building and updates