Q Which plants can be used to conceal a pond liner?

Doug Kennedy, West Sussex

A MATT SAYS Grow ground cover to soften the edges. If the area is damp, consider Gunnera hamiltonii, a diminutive, evergreen with heart-shaped, leathery leaves, or G. magellanica, which is evergreen in mild winters. If it’s dry, Campanula portenschlagiana, with its mauve bell-like flowers, will flourish. Also try helianthemum, the evergreen sun rose, or bergenias, such as big, bold ‘Bressingham Ruby’.

In the water, try marginals, such as Alisma plantago-aquatica with fresh green leaves and small white flowers, and

Anemopsis californica with cream, honey-scented flowers in summer.

Caltha palustris will grow on shallow shelves, as will elegant, pink Hesperantha coccinea.

Control algae in a wildlife pond by removing it regularly by hand