Pond plants, Water gardens, Floating plants, Marginal and Bog plants, Oxygenating plants

"Understanding Your Home" by Building Inspector Mark Visser

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Pond plants. Water garden. Floating plants. Marginal and Bog plants. Oxygenating plants

Oxygenating plants
Of all the ponds plants available oxygenating plants are the most important. These plants grow below the waterline and add to the oxygen level of the pond water. They also compete with algae for nutrients in the pond and, as an added feature, provide hiding places and spawning grounds for your pond fish. These plants do not bloom and do well in depth from 30 to 60 cm. (1 to 2 feet). Oxygenating plants are rapid growers and should thinned out periodically.

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Plant them in plastic planting pots and place the baskets on plant shelves or in deeper water. To prevent the fish from getting into the plant soil and roots place some large and smaller pebbles around each plant.

Bog or moisture loving plants
As the name already suggest these plants thrive in the shallow parts around the pond's edges. They also do well planted near waterfalls. Bog plants are a nice addition to any pond or water garden. The ideal water depth is 5 to 30 cm. (2" to 12") depending on variety.

Pond plants. Water garden. Floating plants. Marginal and Bog plants. Oxygenating plants

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Pond Plants

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Pond plants. Water garden. Floating plants. Marginal and Bog plants. Oxygenating plants
If you walk into any garden centre or pond store you will not only find chemicals to maintain water quality but also all kinds of products to keep your aquatic plants healthy. If you are looking for fertilizer always make sure that it is made specifically for pond plants. In this short article are some helpful tips and information you may want to have a look at before heading out to shop for pond plants.
- Most pond plants will not survive in cold northern climates and will have to be brought indoors and stored in a cool place. However, there are some hardy plants that can survive the cold winter months.
- Plants are usually planted in plastic planting pots and placed on plant shelves or in deeper water. To prevent the fish from getting into the plant soil and roots place some large and smaller pebbles around each plant.
- Pond plants can spread rapidly and take up too much space. Plants should not occupy more than a third of the pond surface.
- Pond plants strive best when planted in full sunlight.
- Some plants can be a food source for some fish. Talk to an expert at your local pond store or garden centre.
- Water garden plants are nature's filter. They keep your backyard pond water clean, pure and provide a healthy environment for pond fish.
Floating plants
Some floating plants can only provide shelter and a hiding place while others are also a good food source for some pond fish.
Water lilies are a very nice addition to any backyard pond or water garden. They come in many colours and sizes but you should know that they don't like fast moving water or to be splashed on so keep them away from water falls and fountains. They also tend to thrive best in deep water. Some bloom during the day while others bloom only at night.
The Water Hyacinth is also a floating plant that you may want to add to your pond. However, there is a drawback. The plant can grow out of control and should be trimmed often. The Water Hyacinths is prohibited in some southern areas due to its rapid growth.
Azolla plants look a lot like a ferns, but instead of being rooted in the ground, it floats on top of the pond water. It is a visually appealing plant especially if it is mixed in with water lilies. This plant is well worth considering. Azolla plants not only provides shelter but is also a food source for your pond fish.
Marginal and Bog plants
These plants are the largest group of pond plants and include the well known cattails. As the name already suggest these plants thrive in the shallow parts around the pond's edges. The ideal water depth is 5 to 30 cm. (2" to 12") depending on variety.
Bog plants grow around the the rim of the pond. They grow in moist but not totally submerged area.

Water lilies will look nice in any pond or watergarden

Marginal plants come in many shapes, colours and sizes

Of all the ponds plants available oxygenating plants are the most important for maintaining a healthy pond

All images courtesy of Paul Bromfield Aquatics