- Consider the whole year. Will the plants you’re choosing be able to last through cold winters? Will they need to be replanted or come back once the frost has melted? Even if your plants merely enter a period of dormancy, a pond can quickly become barren looking if all the foliage fades away. If this is a concern, choose some varieties that can withstand the colder temperatures.
- Research the plants you choose as you would for the garden. Make sure that they will do well in your climate and the level of moisture you expect to maintain in the soil. Be mindful of nearby conditions such as frequent runoff or polluted soil. Be aware that some plants can be invasive in particular areas. If this is the case, you can reduce some of this risk through frequent maintenance and trimming, or by keeping those plants in pots or containers to discourage their spread.
- You’ll quickly discover that some cultivars grow very quickly, so they are only suitable for larger ponds. Conversely, some slower growing plants are best suited for smaller features. Floating plants are popular choices due to their ability to quickly spread and take up space. Be careful that they don’t grow too quickly and end up suffocating your pond and blocking out light.
- Make sure to remove dead plants, trim the excess back and transfer to the compost heap. By removing or trimming the plant, excess nutrients are being removed from the pond, helping to keep the pond balanced and healthy. A sudden high concentration of nutrients can overwhelm your ecosystem.
- Always remember to consider the potential height of the plant. Certain types, like reeds or grasses, may quickly grow several feet in height. These may do best along the backside of the pond or used as framing features along the sides. A good rule of thumb for an attractive pond is to put the shortest plants in front, and the tallest in back.
- Go for a variety. Varying colors, shapes, textures, and types of plants will be more visually interesting than a pond whose plants all look similar. A combination of floating, emergent, submerged, and edge plants will make your pond look even more natural and appealing. This will also be good for your pond, as there will be multiple methods of oxygenation and ways to remove excess nutrients.
- When planting in your pond, use heavy soil with high clay content, or medium to heavy loam. Stay away from most potting soil, as this will be too light. Heavier soil and clay aid in anchoring the plant and trapping nutrients in the soil for the plant to absorb. Oftentimes, soil from your nearby garden is acceptable to use.
- Be careful not to overfeed your fish. Overfeeding is an incredibly common source of nutrient-overload in backyard ponds. Excess fish waste or rotting, uneaten food can overwhelm plants and encourage algae to take hold in your pond.
