Planting a Swamp

Float-on Bog

Much of the woods I have planted is damp ground, but quite a lot is on dangerous float-on bog, which has similar properties to quick-sand, if you tread on the wrong place. But the vegetation informs me 'where to tread and where not to tread'. Some bits are just not worth the risk and would probably not be able to support any trees. Float-on bog is water covered in a tangled layer of vegetation. There's allot of it dammed behind the river's natural levees, all along the valley, but these dangerous bogs are by no means confined to river valleys, but that's where they mostly are.

Planting in these places is a bit scary as the whole surface structure sags and quivers as I carefully step into and accross it. However one benefit is that I only need use the spade to cut hole. No digging is required; I can then stuff the little tree or plant into the wet peat with my foot.

Alders and Willows are really the only of the big(ish) trees to be able to grow on the float on, although many others will grow around the edges. Guelder Rose, Blackthorn and Hazel seem to do remarkably well too.

It is important to note, that all trees, even swamp trees are going to be stunted in the middle of a swamp. Most, esp. The bog trees (Willow & Alder) love being on the edge of a swamp, with their roots in both wet and dry ground. These grow more quickly than any other trees in this location.

Experimentation

Will it Survive or won't it?

Before starting a large scale introduction of a new species; I like to try a few out first, in a few safe places and then observe the progress over however much time I feel is necessary, when or if larger scale introductions will be necessary.

Some plants are obviously very tough; Willows, for example, needed no trial. Same with wild Blue Bells. Both grew here already, but in only a few places and not in any great numbers. So with both plantings began in the wild on year1.

Wild Daffodils needed trials to determine A) If they could survive up here on the moors. B) If they were able to propagate themselves up here. C) With Wild Daffofils being and endangered species; before large scale introductions began; I also conducted experiments to determine the impact of my various collection methods upon controlled small areas in the wild. Wild Daffodils now are my most widespread plant. Mostly around Dartmoor, but I think in a few years time, people might not regard it rare anymore.

Trees and plants in the early years, were all planted in small groups and in a variety of different habitats, basically to see what they would tolerate and what they preferred.

Experiments in the wild are often simultaneous with trials in the garden. Since I dwell slightly higher than most of what I plant, the garden is generally where I start. If they'll grow in the garden; they should survive in the valley below.

Experimentation is a very good and clear way of learning. It saves waist and can avoid learning harsh lessons.

Allot of these initial experiments are quite big now, dotted about, as the first wave of the returning forest, and very importantly; appearing as natural as I can possibly make it.

Experiments in my Garden

The Soil and Climate Test;

Where I can easily observe them; In the Garden!

Before introducing a new plant species, that so far has been absent from the high moor, but abundant (at least in places) on the foot hills, be able to Survive up here, on the high moor?

Successful introductions into the wild zones of the garden and since gone on to Begin their first trial plantings, in the wild, would include; Valerian (valeriania), Wild Iris, Wild Strawberries, Wild Daffs, Teazel as well as many others.

Many of the species trialed in my garden are now are building up colonies in the wild up here, and are now being (or have been) planted on a much bigger scale by me.

The amount a new species needs to be planted in the wild is often determined by it's ability to spread in it's new environment.