If you have a pond the you will know that you need plants to keep the ecosystem healthy regardless of whether you have fish or not. Ponds attract lots of wildlife, such as newts, mayflies, frogs, etc., and maintaining your pond with the right plants will help you create a fertile environment for them.
Plants are not just there to make ponds look pretty. They are part of a very important system that sustains life. They can also help:
- Give fish and other pondlife shelter from direct sunlight or predators
- Provide extra nutrients for fish or other wildlife
- Naturally oxygenate the water keeping your fish healthy
- Reduce or limit the growth of algae
- Create a peaceful setting and visual interest
- Pond plants can hide unsightly pond equipment or pipes
How To Choose Pond Plants
There are a few things to consider when choosing pond plants. Some plants will grow more quickly than others, drowning out the slower growing plants. Before you spend your hard-earned cash on the prettiest looking foliage and plants there are a few things to consider first, otherwise you may not have quite the delightful oasis you anticipated. So, consider:
- The adult size of your plants: If you have a small beautifully formed pond you do not want to dwarf it with tall pond plants
- A shady area: If your pond is in a shady area then you will need to choose pond plants that can cope with being out of the sunlight
- Adaptable to the seasons: You should choose plants that can withstand very hot and very cold temperatures as the seasons dictate
- Are your plants super scrumptious to your fish: Your fish like to nibble plants, so ensure you choose pond plants that are not too much of a favorite with them.
Choose A Variety Of Plants
You will need a variety of plants to cover around three quarters of your pond. These should be a combination of; underwater, floating and bog plants.
Underwater Or Submerged Plants
These types of pond plants are chosen for their filtration abilities. They should be completely submerged all of the time. These types of plants include: Water moss, curled pondweed and hornwort.
Floating Plants
These pond plants give color and interest as their leaves and flowers are visible above the surface of the pond. Waterlily and parrot’s feather are lovely additions to your pond.
Bog Plants
Bog plants like the edges of the pond and are idea for providing hiding places for the wild habitat. Bog plants such as rushes. Iris and pennywort all give a lovely display.
It Looks A Bit Bare
You might think that initially the plants you have chosen will not be enough to create a display but give it a little time. Once they have had the time to adapt to your pond’s conditions and had the sun on their face, they will reward you with a soothing place to spend some quality peace. Rest assured if looked after they will spread.
Fitz’s Fish Ponds provide a variety of services to make your garden a wonderful oasis of calm. Why not ring us for advice about how to get the best for your outdoor space?