When choosing the best outdoor pond plants – or landscape pond plants for that matter – it is important to consider how much you want to use them. Some garden pond plants are used more as decorations than as a true source of nutrients for your aquatic creatures. If you are going to use a decorative pond plant, you may find that your fish do better without it. On the other hand, using a pond plant will give your garden a more natural feel. Consider the amount of time you want to spend caring for your pond and choose pond plants – or landscape pond plants – accordingly.
If you have chosen ornamental pond plants – such as water lilies – you should know that they do require more maintenance than many other pond plants. In order to keep your garden pond clean, you’ll need to change the water regularly. This will require some digging, so make sure you plan accordingly. The biggest threat to your garden pond is the presence of algae, which can be cleaned up using chlorine. It is important to either purchase or rent a quality algae control solution.
One of the best-known plants for landscaping ponds is the Water lettuce. Many people prefer this low maintenance variety because it is easy to maintain and doesn’t grow too much. You can place this in your garden pond to add an element of interest or to provide an edible part of your dinner. Because it is very drought tolerant, it makes a good companion plant to another of the best pond plants – the Water Hyacinth.
If you enjoy fountains and are looking for a good source of water flow for your garden pond, the floating fountain is a good choice. These garden pond plants come in a large variety of sizes and are suitable for almost any size of pond. They will keep water moving over the surface of your pond. This movement keeps algae from forming on the bottom of your pond where it forms, thus reducing your maintenance. They can be purchased in a number of different styles, including plastic floating fountains. Most of these fountains are powered by electricity, but there are some battery operated models available if you don’t like the power source.
Underwater garden pond plants – also called aquatic plants – help protect your water feature from fish food and other types of debris that might otherwise fall into the pond. Some of the more ornamental varieties will also be suitable for use in a filter system to help aerate and purify your pond. This is especially helpful for ponds located in colder climates, where fish and other water life might not survive if the water is free of debris. While many types of aquatic plants are available, most are predatory plants that grow well in shallow water and in the shade. You can get some pretty good results with this type of underwater plant as long as you provide your plants with plenty of sunlight.
You should also pay attention to the frequency of your water changes in order to keep your pond plants healthy. Some plants only need a light water change every couple weeks while others will need more frequent changes to keep blooms on their roots. If you are considering an artificial water feature, make sure that you will be able to maintain the regular seasonal changes. Otherwise your pond might not survive during those times when you least expect it.
One of the best types of plants for a pond is submerged art. This type of plant grows very well in shallow water and is good for a wide variety of pond uses. For example, if you want to create a bridge to feature a small pond or you want to grow a large specimen in your garden, submerged art will do the job. These are also good plants for use in waterfalls or in other natural water features because they are so dense. They cannot easily fall out of the water and that means you will always have a beautiful display.
Finally, you should think about whether you would like to use flowering pond plants or shrubs in your garden pond. If you have ever had the pleasure of watching a butterfly land on a butterfly bush, you know exactly what I am talking about. Butterflies are such a delight with their beautiful colors and if you have ever seen one you know why they are a great compliment to any garden pond feature. In fact, some people even build special lighting to highlight the beauty of these flowers as they land softly in the evening.