How to spruce up 20' by 40' swamp caused by natural spring?
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You could dig channels to move the water where you want it. Make them an attractive feature by using river rock and plantings to resemble small steams.
Without seeing the area, I'm not sure this would work, but my thought is to dig a couple of ponds, and add some water lilies and a few ferns. If you've got the time and the desire, contact the ponds with a stream, and add a water pump. If you want to make the birds happy, keep most of it shallow, so that they can drink and bathe in it. Mosquito dunks would be recommended, and they won'the hurt the birds.
Barley balls work on mosquitoes too, and are not harmful to fish or birds. I would make a water feature... What growing zone are you?
I can think of several plants for a bog.
I understand and empathize with your issues. I have lived adjacent to wetlands and in flood areas. I suggest contacting your local cooperative extension, the expert master gardeners there might have a viable solution to meet your needs.
Here in Virginia there a specific options —your region might have similar or more options.
http://www.dof.virginia.gov/infopubs/Rain-Garden-Technical-Guide-2014-05_pub.pdf
In Virginia for example -we have a rain garden program that one can apply for —that 75% funds to a max of $3500.00 would be reimbursed for the landscaping. I wasnt previously aware of this program until a gueest lecturers presentation.
http://vaswcd.org/rain-garden
Try the cooperative extension you can call the local office ( our rural unit is open one day a week) or google up for a email response.
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I hope your local support coop extension- can guide you to a acceptable resolution.
I’m not sure how programs vary from state to state —but I would’ve never heard about the rain garden design/reimbursement program ==if it wasn’t for master gardeners class. Certainly programs like this are helpful for the homewoners to correct improve and remediate the situation in a thoughtful and natural way.
75% reimbursement also is a terrific motivator!
Best wishes in your search for the solution!