Surefire success with pond plants
Whatto plant Both for us and for the creatures that will make it and its environs their home, a successful pond needs plants at every level: under the water, on the water’s surface, in the water around its edges and in the damp and boggy areas that hopefully will surround it. Each of these groups of plants has its own function – its idiosyncratic life and its own beauty – although pondweed doesn’t turn everyone on aesthetically!
Through photosynthesis, oxygenators keep the water healthy and clear by releasing oxygen through the day – they keep the water alive, vital for those creatures that live in the pond. Floating plants create shelter and shade, and provide a different habitat between the water and its edges. Waterlilies are the go-to example, but other plants such as water hawthorn and water crowfoot are options too.
Marginals – plants that live close to the water’s edge – are essential. Dragonflies emerge from their underwater nymph stage by climbing up the stems of reeds and irises, to assume their adult magnificence, while other pollinating insects will visit the flowering plants in search of nectar and pollen. Around the edge, on terra firma or terra semi-firma, there are opportunities to grow glorious bog plants that offer shelter to other aquatic or semi-aquatic creatures.
How to care for pond plants The presence of water introduces a whole new cast to join in the garden drama. It is important to establish a balance between the various elements in and around the pond. Just beware of planting anything too invasive – we’ve had to deal with over-energetic water mint, which was swamping other plants. Providing for wildlife isn’t a one-way process – not only will you have the thrill of watching tadpoles emerge from frogspawn, but the frogs that will be the final stage of the process will then spend most of their lives in the garden. As well as having fascinating lives, dragonflies and damselflies are a delight to watch as they make aeronautical circuits of the garden.