Bog gardens!

[bario1]

Ok, so I'm thinking of making a small bog garden on my allotment, just with some irises, hostas, ferns etc to look nice and encourage more diverse wildlife on my plot.
All the research I've done suggests the following: a layer of pond liner, pierced to allow slow drainage, followed by a layer of gravel, then soil/compost to plant into. Am I being thick here (go easy on me please!), or won't the gravel layer mean that water drains straight out of the compost, leaving a dry crust that semi aquatic plants will find.. well, too dry?? What role does the gravel play, and how does it replicate a true 'bog' environment?

[Jimny14]

Is the area already quite boggy and wet? I'm thinking you might have to approach it in different ways depending on how wet your area already is.

[bario1]

Yep it's a pretty soggy plot all round. I've spent the last five years trying to drain it and now I want a bog garden...

[Scarlet]

I think you need need to bury a pipe/soaker hose/ in the gravel to irrigate if required.....the gravel will allow the water to disperse and stop the pipe from clogging up?

[bario1]

None of the 'how to' videos mention an irrigation system! Why not just dispense with the gravel?

[Scarlet]

Hmm, those how to videos you’re watching much be rubbish

[bario1]

Titchmarsh says this:

Cover the bottom of the liner with several centimeters of coarse grit or pea shingle to prevent soil blocking the holes.

[veggiechicken]

Sorry Bario, but every time I see the thread title, I think of ..............

[bario1]

Haha my plot neighbour has something similar!