There's several varieties of aquatic plants you can try. They all perform different functions so by picking the right combination you can have an amazing looking pond garden.
There's the deep water plants like water lilies that prefer full sun and water of about 12-15 inches. Their pads help give shade coverage that keeps the water cool and slows down the growth of algae.
Oxygenators are also submerged plants that are often used by fish for spawning. Floaters include water lettuce and water hyacinth which provide surface coverage, and their roots act as a water filterning system by absorbing excess nutrients in the water.
Lastly, there's the marginal plants that provide height and texture to your pond with their interesting foliage. Think of irises and lotuses.
Other maintenance tips: make sure to remove dead blooms and other debris. Try to prevent algae growth in the water and provide coverage for fish with the proper plants. Crystal clear water isn't always the best environment for fish or plants, but murky water isn't either. A suggestion would be is to dip your hand twelve inches below the water. If you can still see your fingers, the water is still clean. |