Plants For Wet Areas In Your Yard
 (Read 100+ times)
By Glory Lennon
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I learned the hard way that what looks like nice, fertile soil, vibrant with green growth could be hiding a multitude of sins under all that brush. Such was the case in our land when I first started landscaping and found a swamp where I wanted a rose garden, a natural spring gushing gallons per minute where I had intended to but my greenhouse and an occasional (only when it rained and darn it if I didn’t know it rained this much in the Pocono mountains) rushing river where my perennial bed was to be. Needless to say I had to change things up a bit. I had to look for plants which liked “wet feet”. The following is a list of plants, shrubs and trees I found which like and at time need extra water to reside quite happily in my not-so-dry yard.
Trees
Acer Rubrum, the Scarlet Maple- I should have known where this beautiful tree grew was wet. But after a little brain-storming that ended up being where I dug a substantial sized pond and now the reflection of those leaves on the water is quite a pretty sight.
Magnolia Grandiflora, the southern Magnolia- This 80 ft tall 40 ft wide tree has 8-10 inch wide flowers in pure white and oh, so fragrant! Evergreen in temperate areas but quite hardy elsewhere losing its large, glossy leathery leaves like any other deciduous tree.
American Arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis- Depending on variety this evergreen with soft, flat bright green needles can grow from a measly 12 feet to a soaring 80. Excellent for tall hedges or as freestanding outdoor Christmas trees.
Shrubs
Red-twig Dogwood, Cornus stolonifera- 7-9 feet tall and wide with red autumn foliage and bright red stems for winter interest. Look striking against the snow. Tiny flowers grow in flat 2 inch wide clusters in summer bearing white or bluish berries in fall. Same goes for the Yellow- twig variety except, of course, it has yellow stems.
Leucothoe- Semi-shade loving plant can tolerate full sun in cooler climate areas and where watered amply. Depending on variety 2-6 feet tall with either upright or drooping branches. Drooping urn shaped white or pale pink flowers grow in clusters along stems bloom in spring. My favorite is “Rainbow”, a 3-4 ft high cultivar with tri-colored leaves in yellow, green and pink.
Perennials
Iris- Siberian, Japanese, blue and yellow flag all do great in almost swamp-like conditions like my temporary river-run.
Rose Mallow, Marsh Mallow or Hibiscus Mostcheutos- Whatever the name it’s a tall upwards of 6 feet high and 4 wide with large flowers, 8-12 inches wide in colors ranging from deepest red, bright pink, rosy to purest white. Great for a temporary screen.
Mint- All mints love the wet and they’ll spread like wild fire so plant responsibly.
Monarda Bee balm- This is the hummingbird’s favorite because of its long tubular flowers in reds, white and pinks. Leaves, dark green, have a mint-like taste and scent. Can be used in teas and may become invasive.
Lysimachia, Purple loosestrife- 4-5 foot tall and invasive enough to be banned in some states but there are non-self-sowing varieties available.
Lysimachia, Alexander- Beautiful 3 foot tall plant with multi-colored foliage, pink, yellow, white and green and bright yellow flowers growing all along its many upright growing stems. I love this little guy!
Lysimachia, Penny-wort or Creeping Jenny- Ground cover which can grow right in the water if need be or does great in hanging baskets. Tons of little bright-as-sunshine yellow flowers in spring and summer. Very invasive.
Purple Moor Grass- Pretty frothy looking ornamental grass with great autumn color turning a burgundy.
Aconitum Monkshood- Tall plant 4-5 ft with funny, hood shaped, bluish purple flowers growing on stalks sticking out of large leafy clusters. Blooms late in summer and into fall until several heavy frosts kicks it back.
As you can see I had no problem finding tons of plants to suit what to first appearances seemed dreadfully bleak. In truth it wasn’t so bad. My “swamp” is quite in control and I know any of these lovely plants, plus a great deal more, will help any who are in the same boat. Or should I say wetlands reserve? Yeah, that sounds better.
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
 For more garden talk, funny short stories and romantic novel excerpts visit http://www.helium.com/users/32782
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