Re: outdoor bogs

Whirlabout@aol.com
Wed, 12 Jun 1996 22:20:03 -0400

In a message dated 96-06-12 11:46:42 EDT, you write:

>I don't know if others have had this experience, but this year I decided to
>make a small outdoor planter bog. Every morning I've found my plants buried
>in sphagnum moss. Finally spotted the culprit -- a robin who thinks that
>sphagnum strands are just the thing for her nest, and messes up the bog to
>get
>it. Guess it's time for some screening :-)

Yup - been there....
The first year that it happened was quite traumatic as I lost some small
plants to the thrashing about of the robins. I originally thought it was
neighborhood kids vandalizing the bog. I finally staked the area out until I
found the culprit. I've also had other birds, outside of nesting season, pull
up plants - apparently looking for bugs. Also, in the winter, mice have eaten
large numbers of vft's and S. purpurea.

I know use black plastic netting (approximately 1/2" mesh) to keep most of
the critters out. When I'm around, I fold the sides over the top so I can
play - pollinate, weed, etc...

Now, rather than be surprized when I hear of outdoor bog problems, I'm
shocked when someone says that they have no critter problems and can also
overwinter everything with no losses in zone 4. I still have to hedge my bets
in the winter (zone 5) and take some plants inside (either fridge or
basement).

Ron Lane