It is essential to choose the correct blend of aquatic plants to create a natural balance in your pond.
Select plants that suit the size of the pond so they do not need regular chopping back to keep them in check.
Pond plants can be grouped according to the depth of water they require.
Deep water plants which include water lily, are essential to the overall health of the pond because the leaves cover the surface and provide shade, which discourages the growth of algae and offers a cool retreat for fish.
The roots of marginal plants are in water but the stems and leaves grow above the surface.
Most flowers for only a short time between late spring and late summer, so try to combine varieties with different flowering times to prolong the period of interest.
In addition, include plants with attractive foliage, such as the variegated irises which lasts for months.
Although not as ornamental as other plants, submerged aquatics plants are important for keeping the pond healthy.
They use up excess nutrients that would otherwise encourage blanket weed and other algae.
They also oxygenate the water, improving the environment for fish and other pond creatures.
Add around ten bunches per square meter of pond surface area.
Free floating plants, together with those that live in deep water, provide shade for fish and discourage the growth of algae.
Aim to cover about one third of the surface area with floating foliage.
The easiest way to introduce an aquatic plant is to use a special planting basket.
If you use one of the traditional mesh sides' baskets, line it with Hessian before planting so the compost does not wash out.
The extra lining will not be necessary if you are using a modern micromesh aquatic basket.
Use specially formulated aquatic compost because standard potting compost soil mix will allow nutrients to leach out, encouraging excessive algae growth.
Good quality top soil can also be used if you find it difficult to get aquatic compost.
Although you can put more than one plant in a large basket, you are better off planting singly so that individual plants can later be removed and divided or replaced more easily.
Top the basket with a half inch deep layer of pea gravel to stop fish disturbing the compost and muddying the water.
Soak the basket in a bucket of water before positioning it in the pond.
That is how you do planting in a pond.