Colorful, exotic flowers and rich foliage will enhance the beauty and health of virtually any pond. Selecting a variety of heights, textures and leaf shapes produces visual interest and depth - which contributes to a balanced look and balanced ecosystem.
Aquatic plants offer a beautiful way to soften the pond's edge and create a unique landscape capturing the water gardener's individuality.When designing the water garden or adding to it, remind follow growing guidelines so plants can thrive in the proper sunlight requirements and climate zone and soil conditions. When choosing the plants, take into account the anticipated size once it is fully mature. As a result, plants will aesthetically complement one another without overcrowding and will physically contribute to the health of the entire ecosystem.
Aquatic Plant Types
A well-planned blend of floating plants and submerged marginals decoratively frames the pond's edge.
Bog plants grow in wet ground in the perimeter of the pond, visually tying the pond to the surrounding garden, extending the waterscape. They thrive when grown in moist, damp soil that is rich in organic matter or regularly fertilized. Some of the most common bogs found in water gardens are Sweet Flag, Taro, Horsetail, Hostas and Rush.
Marginals are used to outline the pond perimeter and create a natural, relaxed design.
They grow best in shallow waters and should be submerged to a depth of 10 inches. Usually marginals are potted in fabric or plastic planters along a shallow shelf within the pond's edge. Common examples are Water Hawthorn, Umbrella Grass, Canna Hybrids, Irises, Lizard's Tail, Lotus and Cattails/Reed Mace.
Floating plants act as ground cover on the water's surface which grants fish shade from sun and protection from pond predators or sever weather. This haven also offers ideal breeding areas for fish. With plant coverage - ideally about 60of the surface - water temperatures remain relatively stable in changing air temperatures from morning to night. For optimal growth, remind customers to keep the moving water or the commotion of water features/fountains at a reasonable distance. Some floating plants also make good oxygenators, such as Water Lilies, Water Hyacinth. Water Lettuce, Water Fern and are also among the most popular floating plants.
Submerged plants, or oxygenators, are valuable to pond health and water clarity because they act as natural filters and remove excess nutrients from the pond. Many varieties bloom small flowers above the pond surface, where you'll find miniscule oxygen bubbles attached to the plant. Recommend one bundle of oxygenators for every square foot of the pond's surface area. Some popular varieties are Anacharis and Parrots Feather.
Plants Promote Water Quality and Pond Health
Aside from their beauty, plants keep algae in check and oxygen at peak levels. Pond plants are an excellent source of natural filtration, helping the water look clean and clear. After the bacteria in pond filters break down harmful pollutants, plants absorb and remove them. It's a beneficial natural balance - plants thrive from the nitrates which purifies the water from toxins that detrimental to fish.
Aquatic plants are very effective algae fighters. They compete for sunlight and remove excess nutrients (specifically nitrates) that would otherwise feed algae, the nemesis of all pond keepers!
Through photosynthesis during daylight hours, plants produce oxygen vital for pond life. Keep fast-spreading floating varieties, such as water hyacinths in control. Consider extending a fish line across the pond to "corral" water hyacinths in a specific corner of the pond thus help prevent them from spreading. Since plants respire and use oxygen at night, fish need access to the water surface, which is the primary source of oxygen.
Maintaining Beauty
Pond plants are best grown in suitably sized fabric or plastic containers. This allows them to be moved and removed easily during cleaning. Additionally, it makes rearranging and reinventing the waterscape easy.
A wide variety of planters are available today, including everything from planting baskets to flexible fabric planters that form to the pond floor. Fabric planters, in particular, allow water and nutrients to permeate the material to flow freely while preventing roots to be exposed or expand. This prevents fish from munching on roots, making it easier to knock over plants and cloud the water.
Keep plants looking their best by tending to them regularly, therefore saving hours of accumulated duties. Removing dead blossoms, leaves, and stems helps keep the pond free of debris and decay.
Fertilize pond plants as directed to help maximize their color and growth. Most importantly, remind pond keepers to use fertilizers that are safe for fish and other pond inhabitants.
The Perfect Paradise
The colors, selections and combinations of pond plants are endless, suiting every personal taste. They'll improve your home's curb appeal and enhance the quality of life by spending more time in your personal oasis.
For more information on our plant fertilizers and planters view the plant products in our catalog.