Advice on plants for a Garden Pond

[paulchandler6]

Hi, I'm in the process of designing a garden pond. I've got most of it sussed, but wondered if any one could advise me on the best plants to use for it. Either in the pond or on the periphery. The pond will be 3m in length, and 2.5 m width at maximum points. Depth between .75m to very shallow. Also should I put a layer of earth in (on top of the liner), if so how deep. Any advice gratefully received. Thanks.

[aeshna5]

For a wildlife pond probably best to use natives. If you do fancy any exotics make sure they are not one of the rampant invasives such as Parrot's Feather!

For pondweeds Hornwort or Water Milfoil would be good, Amphibious Bistort or Frogbit for floaters. Marestail + Water Violet would be good.

Around the pond plants such as Yellow Iris, Marsh Marigold, Yellow + Purple Loosestrifes, Hemp Agrimony, Galingale, Cyperous Sedge, Brooklime, Water Mint + Water Forget-me-not would all be candidates.

If you put soil in the bottom of the pond make sure it's a poor soil because you'll have algal bloom problems with excess nutrients. You can purchase aquatics compost + use planters for pond plants.

[rscott74]

I'm no pond expert but I find that sediment is created naturally and quickly and produces no adverse effects beyond being a bit smelly.

[paulchandler6]

Thanks for the advice. Cheers

[galanthus]

I wouldn't use soil at all Over time, the aquatic compost will leak out of your pond pots naturally and create little muddy bits for small creatures.

Water Hawthorn is a fab choice for your deepest water, (tho taddies have eaten most of mine lol), as is golden club.

[JennyS]

Hi Paul
When you come to filling your pond add some mud and water from a wild pond as that will bring in loads of useful micro-organisms - good luck with it!

[paulchandler6]

Thanks Jenny, thats one I never thought of and can see how it will be beneficial. Cheers

[paulchandler6]

Originally Posted by JennyS

Hi Paul
When you come to filling your pond add some mud and water from a wild pond as that will bring in loads of useful micro-organisms - good luck with it!

Jenny, your suggestion has paid off. I finished the pond on Monday and added 10 litres of sediment and water from a local pond. I noticed water fleas and a few other unidentified organisms in the mix. As of today I have 2 Water Boatmen, a Pond Skater at least 2 Beetles that appear on the surface apparently to take air then dive down again + a host of yet unidentified beasties. Also 4 Dragonflies of 3 species visited. Still waiting for the plants to come though. Thanks again. Cheers

[smartie]

All the advice you've had so far about plants seems to me good. One thing not to plant, though, is the native water lily. Far too big for a pond your size - if you are in any doubt I'll send you a picture of mine, which we have been trying to eradicate for the last 5 years or so since we realised what a mistake we'd made

[paulchandler6]

Originally Posted by smartie

One thing not to plant, though, is the native water lily.

Thanks for that. The plants I've ordered are Hornwort, Hemp Agrimony, Water Mint, Lesser Spearwort, Amphibious Bistort and Water Forget-me-not. I'll give the Lily a miss. Cheers