🧟‍♂️ The Zombie Bog Garden

In April 2025, after the many, many greenhouse expansions that were always “the last one” 😄, I decided it was finally time to build myself a permanent bog garden. A proper one. Wall-to-wall, soil-deep, death traps everywhere for any unsuspecting bug brave enough to wander in.

And of course… what better theme to pair with death than ZOMBIES?
Thus, the project was lovingly named The Zombie Bog Garden.

🌱 Inspiration Strikes

The idea was sparked by my good friend Graham Barrett, who built himself a small bog garden using a simple black seedling tray. When I saw it, something clicked instantly. I realised this was the perfect feature to place right at the entrance of the Dead Zone, something dramatic, living, and slightly terrifying 😄

Graham’s first little bog garden (pictured below) was filled with stones, moss, and tiny carnivores, and I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen.

Of course… as we all know, the struggle is very real.
One bog garden quickly became two…
Two became three… And knowing Graham, plans are already in place for a fourth deadly garden lining the walkway to his front door 😄

Seeing how beautifully his had matured over time, sealed the deal for me — it was time to build my own.

🛠️ Building the Beast

The garden measures 2m x 1m and fits perfectly between the entrance to the Dead Zone and the new tables holding my private collection. A tap was installed on the left for easy topping up of fresh water, and a drain on the right runs into the veggie garden behind — so no water ever goes to waste 🌱

After waterproofing the interior, I placed four bricks at the base to create a water reservoir. This allows the entire system to be drained easily when needed, while also providing a constant supply of water that wicks up through the soil.

On top of the bricks, I laid a fibre-glass cement grid, as metal would rust over time, and the plastic ones I found were far too brittle. This was then covered with a thick waterproofing membrane, carefully wrapped around the 110mm pipes on both sides to prevent soil from falling through.

The pipes serve two purposes:

• One allows inspection of the drainage outlet in case of blockages
• The other allows easy topping up of water without disturbing the soil

Simple, practical, and very effective.

🌿 Soil… and So Much of It

Then came the soil. And WOW — did I underestimate how much I’d need 😅

Once filled, I gently pressed the soil down to allow for settling, topped it up again, sprayed it lightly with water, and let everything settle properly before planting.

And then… the fun part.

Planting the babies into their new forever home was incredibly satisfying. Although the temptation to completely fill the garden was very strong, I practised the ultimate art of patience and left enough space between plants to allow for growth — and, of course, room for future additions 😉

🌞 Growth Beyond Expectations

In less than a year, the plants have grown insanely well. The deep garden bed clearly mimics their natural habitat, allowing them to grow freely and naturally.

I absolutely love how the plants have expanded into one another, just as they would in the wild. The Venus Flytraps in particular have gone wild, creating a stunning carpet of death, constantly producing new growth and baby plants.

THE DIFFERENCE IS INCREDIBLE!

☠️ The Zombie Bog Garden Today

The Zombie Bog Garden now stands in all her beautiful, deathly glory. Hunting down zombie-themed décor was half the fun, and I think it really finishes the space off perfectly.

Click the video link below for a close-up look at just how magnificent she’s looking as of January 2026 — less than a year after planting.

Trust me… even the zombies wouldn’t stand a chance 🧟‍♂️🌿

Please do feel free to leave comments, I would LOVE to hear your feedback!