In gardens located in wet or damp areas, you can grow many interesting species of plants that are difficult to maintain in other conditionsAmong deciduous species, water-loving trees are alder, willow and birch.Alder black Alnus glutinosa grows up to 30 m, but the cultivar 'Imperialis' with filigree, deeply cut leaves grows much slower, reaching 6-10 m. Gray alder Alnus incana 'Aurea' attracts attention with its golden leaves. Alders form a symbiosis with actinomycetes (bacteria) that fix atmospheric nitrogen, so they grow well in poor soils.
Among the willows, the curiosity is aroused by varieties with twisted shoots, such as 'Erythroflexuosa' or the Babylonian willow Salix babylonica 'Crispa' and 'Tortuosa'.Salix x sepulcralis 'Chrysocoma' weeping willow is perfect for planting by the water. An impressive plant belonging to the same family as willows is the poplar aspen Populus tremula 'Erecta', a very narrow, tall tree that grows up to 10-15 m.It is an exceptionally frost-resistant variety, grows well in fertile, rich soils in water, not warming up.It tolerates sandy and peaty soils, it is perfect for creating high rows.
Black cherry Prunus padus 'Colorata' with fragrant pink flowers and dark red young leaves grows well on similar sites. Its flowers and fruit can be used to make delicious tinctures. For planting along fences, roads or streets, it is worth using the Quercus palustris 'Green Pyramid' marsh oak with a pyramidal shape,
Among the shrubs the most valuable species, not disturbed by excess water in the substrate, include: dogwood Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea' with bright green shoots in winter and green leaves, white dogwood Cornus alba 'Sibirica' with red shoots and its varieties with colorful leaves: 'Ivory Halo' - a compact, wide shrub with white leaf margins, recommended for covering large areas, or 'Spaethii' with green-cream leaves.
Perennials will decorate and complete the garden composition.Astilbe tawulas with shiny feathery leaves and original inflorescences in colors ranging from white, through pink, to dark red, and Filipendula ulmaria Variegata marshmallow are among the lovers of wet stands. C altha palustris, commonly known as the quagmire, grows well in marshy soil. The 'Plena' variety with full yellow flowers and heart-shaped shiny leaves attracts attention from a distance.
The tall perennials requiring moist soil include the spotted sapling Eupatorium purpureum and Siberian iris Iris sibirica with blue, white or lilac flowers.The cousin of the Siberian iris - yellow iris Iris pseudoacorus grows best in shallow water reservoirs.Grass will add lightness and freedom to the composition, especially the miscanthus Miscanthus sacchariflorus, which feels great by the water, but is very expansive.Among the lower perennials, colorful, compact carpets will be quickly created by the Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' sercolistna. If we want to introduce an element of exoticism to a wet garden, we can try to plant a giant Gunnera manicata with leaves up to 1.5 m in diameter. This plant is sensitive to frost, so it can only grow in the warmest parts of the country.
Flowers and he althy fruit
Buckthorn Frangula alnus 'Asplenifolia' and Fine Line, coral viburnum Viburnum opulus 'Compactum' and 'Park Harvest' as well as elderberry varieties Sambucus nigra: yellow-leaved 'Aurea', purple Black Beauty, with dark lace leaves Black Lace and two-tone 'Madonna' and 'Marginata'.
Elderberry bushes, apart from their decorative qualities, are distinguished by edible inflorescences (fried in pancake batter or in refreshing lemonade, they are delicious!), As well as fruit from which you can prepare he alth-promoting tinctures that effectively support the treatment of coughs.
The most interesting genres for the original arrangement
By using naturally water-rich, wet or periodically flooded areas, you can create not only an interesting botanical collection, but also an attractive multi-plan arrangement that differs significantly from common plantings.
The matrix of such a garden can be large trees from the cypress family, such as the swamp cypress Taxodium distichum or the Chinese metasequoia glyptostroboides. Both species form soaring trunks, wide at the base, covered with reddish or reddish bark and large conical crowns.Their needles are seasonal, light green, soft to the touch, turning reddish-brown or yellow before falling.Both species form the respiratory roots, the so-called pneumatophores.
These are holes rising above the ground, the role of which is not fully understood.They are believed to serve primarily to supply and exchange air to the flooded root system and anchoring trees in swampy ground, but they can also act as a storage of spare substances.
Interestingly, cut off from the mother plant, they can take root. The most interesting ornamental varieties of Chinese metasekwoi include 'Goldrush' - a fast-growing tree with yellow needles, 'Rogów' - a Polish columnar variety and 'Maitthaei Broom' - a dwarf form with a spherical shape, perfectly suitable for small gardens. Among the varieties worth recommending is the 'Pevé Minaret', a slowly growing tree.
