People who live in lowlands where swamps are common like they are in parts of Connecticut, my home state, can grow flowers that are well suited to this type of environment. Swamp flowers do not require a whole lot of care, which makes it easy for them to grow. Watering is never a problem, since the flowers already have access to a natural water source. A swamp garden can be just as attractive as any other type of garden, and give you a feeling that you live near a wild area with lots of flowers.
Flowers that grow in and by swamps and ponds are not difficult to find. Plants that like to grow directly in the water, like cattails, can easily be found on hiking trips through woods where a pond or swamp might be nearby. Water lilies, too, love floating in the water, with their flowers peeking above the water’s surface. Plants like these can easily be placed right by the water source, sometimes moving inward on their own to take up the full benefits of the moist environment. Below are some flowers you can plant in your swamp garden:
Water lilies. These can be planted in shallow water, then moved later on to a deeper part of the water source. The flowers are white in color and look exotic as they almost resemble lotus plants. Before planting water lilies, add some fertilizer to the soil, so they will blossom better. Don’t worry if some of the fertilizer gets mixed in with the water; the lilies will feed off of any fertilizer in the water so it does not attract algae.
Blue pickerel weed. These flowers have spikes of blue flowers that stand above the green, glossy leaves on the stems. The flowers attract butterflies and bees, so do not be surprised if you find a variety of pretty insects enjoying your pickerel weed. This can be planted in the ground right by the water’s edge. Blue pickerel grows to 24″ in height so this will stand out in your swamp garden.
Cattails. These are so easy to spot anywhere they are seen, with the long reed stems and puffy brown tail formations at the top. These are an edible plant, but for growing, they are easy, and provide a nice added fall decoration in your yard. Plant these by the edge of your water source. Cattails will grow up to 10′ tall, but they can easily be cut and used inside for a wide variety of fall decorations.
Yellow water buttercup. These look like regular buttercups found in the woods in the late spring, but these grow in the water. Plant these by the edge of the water source. The buttercup may eventually travel inwards towards the water, to have the flowers peeking above the water for your enjoyment.
Marsh calla. Also called the water arum, this will grow well in moderate to acidic soils in most parts of the United States. These can be grown from seed, or transplanted from one marsh area to your garden. These pretty white flowers will brighten up your garden and attract butterflies.
Select those flowers that appeal to you the most. For those flowers that cannot be found on your hiking trips, you can ask your local nursery if seeds or young plants are carried so you can plant them by your swamp or pond.
