The marshes were always surrounded by mystery. Remember the Russian folk tales in which they themselves, as well as the plants growing nearby, had a mystical power.
What are these places so mysterious?Approximately 10% of the earth's surface is occupied by areas with a high level of moisture, capable of accumulating peat. When its level becomes thirty centimeters, the site turns into a swamp, which in nature performs the function of a natural water filter.
Many people think that nothing grows on the swamps,but this is a delusion. Species composition of these areas is sometimes richer than forest. For the most part, these are moisture-loving plants that prefer places where there is heat, lots of sun and water. One of the most famous is the grassy marsh plant of duckweed. It is this shallow emerald plant that densely covers the water surface near the shore in the warm period of the year, and in winter it sinks to the bottom of the reservoir, where in the form of a kidney waits for warmth.
Marsh plants can be divided into severalgroups. Microphytes living at the very bottom of the marsh (approximately 6-meter depth). Macrophytes live in the water column (further 3 meters from the coastal zone). Plants of the first level inhabit the water space at a distance of one and a half to three meters from the shore. The next level is represented by plants that have occupied the water surface near the shore. But in the immediate vicinity of the water trees and shrubs grow, representing coastal vegetation.
Today, marsh plants with pleasureuse the owners of private houses to decorate their small artificial reservoirs. Gardeners are very fond of a marsh wetland, double golden flowers which in April will delight the eye with its splendor. Grapes of white or pink flowers in May you will enjoy trifol, otherwise known as a three-leafed watch. Of course, we can not ignore iris. In height, this magnificent plant reaches 1 meter. And dense powerful leaves and stunning beauty will not leave anyone indifferent. White, blue, bright yellow, purple and manganese cays of the airocus, so called iris, can be planted both in a body of water (the root layer of water should not exceed 30 centimeters), and in the moderately moist soil of the garden. These marsh plants will become your favorites. In June and July, the ordinary blossoms blossom. The rhizomes of this wonder plant are widely used by folk medicine. Ordinary shepherd will please you with its white flowers from June to September. You can plant it at a depth of about 20 centimeters. But the broad-leaved cattail will suit you only if you own a fairly large pond, since in height the plant reaches two meters. For a small pond, a small cattail is more suitable, which in the autumn will necessarily attract attention by the cobs of flowers.
Among ornamental grasses that can grow inWetting places, gardeners prefer manicure. He is appreciated for the elegant flowers of yellow or white striped colors. This unpretentious plant loves heat, sun and moisture.
Among other things, there are many trees andshrubs who prefer swampy soil. Planting an alder, willow or birch near a reservoir, you will provide these trees with much needed life-giving moisture. Always there were blueberries and cranberries in the marshes - the favorite berries of the majority of Russians. Fine hedonoses of heather and Ledum also prefer saturated areas with moisture.
Many beautiful legends are composed of marshplants. Some of them are poisonous, and some are considered medicinal. But anyway, the plants of the swamp will always impress the imagination with a variety of colors. No wonder many poets and composers were attracted to and attracted by the theme of the mystery of the marshes, their fascinating beauty. And marsh plants will always be a gift of wildlife.
