Plant Areas that are Easily Accessible
Not all plants will grow well in your pond, but the ones that do tend to be low-maintenance (and low-cost). Some of them can even be planted directly into the ground so you don’t have to give much effort at all! This is because they’ll survive with merely a modest amount of sunlight and nutrients.
1) Water Lilies
Water lilies are plants that grow right out of the water. They spread by sending out roots along the bottom of the pond, creating new plants as it goes. It’s also very common for these flowers to send up shoots from their foliage – essentially another ‘plant’ emerging from an existing one! You can find these lilies in a range of different colors, from whites and yellows to pinks and reds.
2) Marginals
Marginal plants that grow partially or fully out of the water. The majority of them will have their roots submerged, however, which is why they’re perfect for ponds! Their foliage can range from just a few inches high to well over a foot, making them ideal for adding some greenery around the edge of your pond.
3) Oxygenating Plants
These are plants that help to oxygenate the water in your pond. In other words, they improve the quality of the air by providing suitable habitat for bacteria. The most common oxygenating plants are Hornwort and Water Milfoil, with the latter being a little less common.
Water Garden Plant Design
4) Floating Plants
Floating plants are very popular, in part due to their appearance and also in part due to how easy they are to use in a pond! These decorative plants can vary from just a few inches high right up to several feet, offering you plenty of choices when it comes to your pond design. Unlike marginal and oxygenating plants, most floating ones don’t have submerged roots – instead, their root structure is contained within the pad which sits on top of the water’s surface!
5) Cattails
Cattails are one of the best types of plants for ponds. They not only thrive in waters with high levels of nutrients but they’re also low-maintenance, making them a great choice for beginners. Not only do they provide ideal habitat for all kinds of water creatures but the thick stem means that they can help to keep your pond safe from predators!
6) Water Lily Bulbs
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of planting floating plants or marginal varieties in your pond, consider planting their bulbs instead! They’re very simple to use and will grow into fully mature plants within one season. Usually, just a single bulb is enough to create a stunning display in your backyard.
7) Water Lettuce
Water lettuce is another plant that’s best suited to ponds with high nutrient levels. Unlike most types of aquatic vegetation, this one thrives underwater – it doesn’t need any sunlight to grow! The leaves of this plant are also very delicate, making it a popular choice for those who want to add some shade to their pond.
Group Plants with Similar Needs Together
When you’re planting in your pond, it’s important to remember that not all plants are created equal. Some need more sunlight than others, while others require more nutrients. By grouping plants together with similar needs, you’ll make it easier for them to thrive and look their best.
Don’t Overcrowd Your Pond
Just as you wouldn’t want to overcrowd your garden, you also don’t want to do the same your pond! This is because overpopulation will make it difficult for your plants to get the light and nutrients that they need. It can also create competition between different types of vegetation, putting them at risk of disease.
Try Different Plants in Different Areas
When you’re planting in your pond, you don’t have to stick to just one type of aquatic plant – if you want to add some variety then go ahead! It’s best to use different varieties in different areas so that they have space to grow their best. For example, put oxygenating plants near the edge where there’s less sunlight while marginals should be placed towards the center where water is deeper. This way, all your plants will thrive!
Mix Floating Plants with Marginals
Floating plants are a great way to add some color and variety to your pond, but they don’t have a lot of submerged roots. For this reason, it’s best to mix them with marginals – plants that grow partially or fully underwater. This will provide the floating plants with some stability and help to keep them in place.
Remove Weeds Right Away
The quickest way to have a successful garden is to remove weeds when you notice them. The same applies to your pond! If you wait too long, then the weed will take over your pond and crowd out other plants. Be vigilant when it comes to removing weeds – if you don’t stay on top of them, they can spread very quickly!
Use Bulbs in Deep Ponds
If you’ve got a deep pond with lots of space at the bottom, consider planting bulbs instead of traditional plants. This is because most aquatic plants need some sunlight for photosynthesis, which isn’t possible underwater. Water lilies are one exception but aside from that, most types of bulb plants won’t grow their best in the shade.
Plant in Autumn for Spring Growth
If you’re looking to add plants to your pond in the autumn, know that they won’t grow until the spring! This is because most aquatic plants need time to establish their roots before they can start growing. By planning ahead, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful garden all year round!
Don’t Forget to Fertilize
If you want your plants to thrive, then you’ll need to fertilize them regularly. This is especially important in the early stages of growth when the plants are still getting used to their new surroundings. You can either use commercial fertilizer or make your own using natural ingredients like fish emulsion.
Use Pond Netting to Control Weeds
Weeds can be a real nuisance in any garden, and your pond is no exception! The best way to deal with them is by using pond netting, which will stop them from taking over your plants. It’s also a good idea to net your pond during winter when most types of vegetation are dormant.
Be Patient!
Aquatic plants can take a while to get established, so be patient and let them grow at their own pace. In time, you’ll have a beautiful pond filled with lush vegetation!
When you’re planting in your pond, it’s important to remember that not all plants are created equal. Some need more sunlight than others, while others require more nutrients. By grouping
When it comes to planting in your pond, there are plenty of different things to consider! By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a stunning display that will thrive for years to come. Enjoy!
Thanks for reading at Meyer Aquascapes! We hope you’ve enjoyed our post on garden pond design. Please leave a comment below if you liked it or have any questions. We’d love to hear from you! Thanks for stopping by!
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