Native Pond Plants

[wellies101]

Hi All

Just built myself a pond, about 5m x 3m with a shallow shelf (20cms) around the edge and a deep middle (1m), I would like to stock it only with native uk plants and wanted some advice not only on what to buy, but when to plant it and what preparation I need to do in the pond before planting?

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[tom00_uk]

mid march is a good time to start thinking about planting

most garden centers start their pond section selling for easter weekend, but there are a number of very good on-line plant retailers

one that i have used and will also send you a brochure now is plants alive

[Dan Salter]

I agree with the above.

Also, most garden centres pond plant stocks have a union jack on the plant label if it is a native UK plant...so this is a helpful guide

However...just because a plant is 'native' it is not always ideal and can still be problematic in a small pond...rapid growing, engulfing or self seeding etc.

Stay away from things like Great Reedmace (bulrush) - Typha Latifolia in a small pond
There are several other aggressive natives to avoid in a small pond but im tired and cannot remember them right this second, ill get back to you, or i suspect others will steer you on here

[metalfish]

Naturescape (find it through google) sell native uk pond plants, they'll also give you advise on what to put in your pond, and more importantly what not to put in your pond and how to look after it all.
They sell their stuff on the internet but best phone up for advice.
Yes I did used to work there so I know their stuff is from the uk as opposed to native species bought in europe and shipped over here
Good luck with that and it won't be long before you're watching out for dragonflies...lovely

[bugly's]

planting list sent by message - to large for forum, let me know if it doesn't come through and i will re-send.

[woodruffsdad]

I have just installed a new wildlife pond to replace my old, smaller one.

My previous pond was absolutely choked with the root systems of the plants I had in it - hardly any room for water!

For my new pond I want a few native plants which don't grow to a huge size and which won't clog the pond.

Any suggestions?

[Dan Salter]

To be honest, without management (i.e. periodically cutting back vegetation and clearing out some roots) any pond is eventually going to be clogged up. Thats the nature of.....well....nature. A pond or waterbody will go through successional stages or 'seres' and as you found out will eventually be more plant/soil than there is water.

So my tip is yes...try and opt for less vigorous plantlife if the pond is very small....or alternatively...have a nice diverse mix of native species but tell yourself that you may have to give everything a good clear out or cut back every other year or so (or if this is beyond your health/fitness then maybe ask a friend or relative to do it for you?)

[bugly's]

avoid all these

Duckweed (Lemna spp)
Water fern (Azolla filiculoides)
Common reed (Phragmites australis)
Greater reedmace (Typha latifolia)
Mare's tail (Hippuris vulgaris)
Unbranched bur-reed (Sparganium simplex)
Reed-grass (Phalaris hybridus)

plant the following in containers (cut down buckets) and lift each year cut off any growth outside of the container
Rushes (Juncus spp)
Sedges (Carex spp)
Water mint (Mentha aquatica)
Yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris)
Yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus)

[wellies101]

many thanks all, looks like I'm going to busy mid-march onwards!!!! Can't wait! I'm lucky enough to live on a SSSI (part of my job) so hoping to turn up one or two rarities in time.

[joey747]

come on people lets see some pictures of all of your wildlife/native ponds, i realy do love looking at pictures and im sure everybody else does