Water Garden Plants
Water gardening is a fun way to grow unusual and attractive plants. There are many options to fill your pond or water garden plant wise and they fall into the following main categories:
Floating Leafed Plants (Water Lilies): These are usually water lilies. Water Lilies are the most popular of all water garden plants. Their ability to spread a multitude of leaves across the surface of the water and flower throughout the season, make them a sought after addition to the pond. Lily pads also provide a great deal of shade from the heat of the summer sun, allowing fish to retreat underneath the shelter of their leaves. The two primary types of water lilies are Hardy ad Tropical. Submerged (Oxygenating) Plants: Oxygenating plants are often the most overlooked plants in the water garden. They are typically submersed, and don't grab the onlooker's attention like the lilies and marginal plants do. These submerged plants are an important ally in creating a well-balanced water garden.
Oxygenating plants help reduce algae by directly competing for the same food source. Think of them as nutrient sponges. They also provide protection and coverage for small fish and fry. They can be planted by simply pushing a bundle right into the gravel or simply sticking them around the edges of a lily pocket. Free Floating Plants: The floating aquatic plants are just that, they float on the water's surface while their roots hang down into the water below trapping sediment and utilizing many excess nutrients. Floating plants can be placed in the pond, but need to be situated out of reach of the skimmer. Tucking floaters into the edges of the pond or in and around lily pads can also help prevent the skimmer from drawing them in.
These plants also provide shade for the pond water, making summer algae control easier. Most are tropical, but a few are hardy perennials in climates with hard winter freezes. In more northern climates. The tropical floating aquatic plants should be treated as annuals, replanting them each year, or taking them into a warmer place for the winter. Marginal / Bog Plants: Marginal plants are typically found around the perimeter of the ponds, lakes, wetlands and streams. These plants are used to soften the boulder edges and help create a smooth transition from the water in the pond to the terrestrial planting area surrounding the pond. Most marginal plants like 1" - 8" of water, making the first shelf in the pond, as well as edges of streams and upper pools ideal planting areas. 
Marginal / Bog Plant Examples:
Hardy Variety:
Tropical Variety:
Floating Leafed Plant Examples (Water Lilies):
Submerged (Oxygenating) Plant Examples:
Free Floating Plant Examples:
Water Garden Plants are beautiful and easy to grow in any pond or water garden. It’s amazing how many different choices you have and don’t forget to add fish. |