A garden pond or a water feature where you can grow a selection of aquatic plants will add a great deal of interest to the garden. Even in a small pond, you can grow several different types of plant and one of the main advantages of having water in the garden is it will help to attract all sorts of wildlife, such as birds, bees, frogs, toads, hedgehogs, dragonflies and many other insects. The sound of trickling water is also very therapeutic and tranquil to listen to when sitting out in the garden.
When it comes to plants, there’s a large choice and it’s important that you do a little research before rushing out and buying new plants as some are too vigorous or invasive for small ponds. The aim is to have a balance of different plants to not only look good, but also to keep the water clear and oxygenated. Plants such as water lilies and water hawthorn will help to cover the surface, oxygenators keep the water fresh and marginal plants such as bog arum, marsh marigold and iris are ideal for the shallow water around the edge of the pond and will help to encourage insects and wildlife. Although planting can be done for much of the year, now is the ideal time as plants are making new growth.