Pond plants can do the work of mechanical pumps, filters, and fountains. Submerged oxygenating plants and floating broad-leaf plants eat up carbon dioxide. They also put oxygen into the environment that fish and other wildlife depend on. In addition to aerating a pond, they process excess nutrients to create a balanced eco-system. However, success depends on balancing your aquatic flora. Without enough plants, the water will become slimy because of an excess of sunlight which causes algae to bloom. On the other hand, too many plants will fill your pond with too much detritus. The trick is to tend your pond like a garden and pull out any plants that are dominating their environment.
Like any other landscaping project, be sure to plan the layout of your water garden before you add plants. Different plants will work best in different areas in and around a pond. For instance, deep-water plants with roots growing underwater come in two categories: those that have foliage on the surface of a pond like water lilies, and those with submerged foliage. There are also a number of plants that thrive in or around the waters edge. Lastly, there are moisture-loving plants that do best in sodden earth near ponds. When laying out your pond design, select plants based on their ideal growing environment as well as the way they look in concert with each other. Also consider the way the will relate to your overall landscaping goals. Think about the mature size of the plants you intend to use. Little water features can be quickly overrun by just a couple of fast-growing varieties of water plants. In addition, quickly growing companions can overwhelm some smaller plants. A sound plan will help create a healthy garden pond.
If you want to add plants to your outdoor water feature but do not have the time or inclination to research, plan, design, and plant, let Sarah Ray Landscape Design create the perfect water garden for you.