POND PLANTS
Water
plants perform three functions: the most obvious
is their decorative value, of equal importance is
their ability to absorb dissolved salts (from fish
waste etc.) and to provide shade. In this respect,
those plants with leaves that lie on the water's
surface (Lilies, Aponogetons etc) and oxygenating
plants are of greatest value. Marginal and waterside
plants are purely ornamental. Planting can
commence the day after the pond is filled.
•
Water Lilies
• Marginal Plants
• Deep Water Aquatics
• Floating Plants
• Oxygenating Plants
• Waterside Plants
• Planting Containers
• Aquasoil
• Fertilizers
Water
lilies
Amongst
pond plants the water lily reigns supreme. The brilliant
colours and delicately sculptured petals of its sumptuous
blooms have few equals in nature. Water lilies also
perform an important function in the pond by offering
shade for fish and reducing the surface area exposed
to sunlight so helping reduce algae. Lilies should
be planted in a sunny open position with plenty of
room for leaf spread and away from the splash of a
fountain or waterfall.
Our
range of lilies has expanded to include exotic new
varieties detailed in the connoisseur section at the
bottom of this page. All lilies are supplied ready-planted
for your convenience;
Mail
Order customers will receive bare-root lilies which
will require planting in proper aquatic containers.
The
definition of coverage of lilies is classified as
follows:-
Small
spread - will cover an area up to 3ft.
in diameter
Medium
spread - will cover an area 3-5 ft. in
diameter
Large
spread - will cover an area 6-8 ft. in
diameters
Miniature
lilies are for shallow water, tubs and bowls
Connoisseur
lilies are only available ready-planted and are sourced
from specialist growers.
Marginal
Plants
The
description ‘marginal' covers an immensely diverse
range of plants that grow best in shallow water. In
most cases this would mean standing the container
on the marginal shelf which is generally 8 - 9 inches
below the surface of the pond. The great variation
in height, leaf shape and flower means that you can
plan the planting of your pond to take into account
factors such as angle of view and areas of open water.
Ready
planted marginals are established plants (usually
more than one per pot) in 1 litre aquatic containers
ready to go straight into the pond.Nursery
pots are marginals that are supplied in containers
used for propagation and will require replanting -
either singly insmall containers or in groups in large
containers.
Deep
Water Aquatics
are those plants that like
lilies
have leaves that float on the surface but
must
be positioned lower in the pond than
marginals.
Floating
Plants, like lilies and deep water marginals
are excellent for surface cover although some can
be too successful and may need thinning out occasionally.
How
To Plant Aquatics
Push the soil firmly into the pot around the plant.
Thoroughly wet the soil and firm down adding more
soil as necessary. Dress the surface with gravel or
pebbles and wet again before slowly lowering the pot
into the water to its desired position. The use of
larger containers will allow room for growth and spread
of the plant, make it more stable in the pond (important
for taller plants) and will reduce the need to re-plant
in the future.
