Step onto the surface of a bog and leave the solid earth behind. The thick carpet of plant life creates a soft cushion underfoot and walking on the surface can cause a visible ripple effect. The low nutrient, high acid environment supports the growth of sphagnum moss, ericaceous shrubs, sedges, bog rosemary, and pitcher plants. Pitcher plants are carnivores that obtain their nutrients by digesting insects that fall into the water filled base of the leaf.