Pond plants come in various forms. Some are submerged deep within the water, others float on the surface, while some have foliage that grows out of the water and creates a pleasing soft border around the pond edge. Plants like water lilies really add to the ornamental appearance of a garden pond.

When it comes to the quality of the water in your pond and water maintenance, plants are a very necessary part of the whole project. Aside from their aesthetic value in creating a stunning feature, pond plants prevent the build-up of green algae in pond water. They are crucial for consuming nutrients and providing shade in pond water, limiting the sunlight available for photosynthesis and other nutrients required for algae blooms to grow. Pond plants also use up sunlight for their own photosynthesis, releasing oxygen back into the pond to improve the overall quality of the water in the pond.

Planting a pond is different from planting a garden. With a garden, you plant only shrubs and flowers you like; if you like roses, you plant roses; if you like Hydrangeas, you plant some varieties of those. In a pond, if you want it to remain healthy and be self-sustaining, you need to plant some plants which add nothing to the ornamental appearance of the pond but serve a practical purpose in keeping your pond clean and healthy.

It is just as important that the plants you are buying are right for your size of pond as it is in any part of your garden, so always check that before you buy. Mid-spring through to early summer is the best time for planting according to the Royal Horticultural Society. By this time, the water having lost some of its winter chill will be starting to warm a little and the plants will have commenced their growth. Having said that, pond plants can be planted at almost any time of the year. If you have filled your pond with tap water you should wait a few days before planting as this will give the dissolved chlorine in the water time to disperse. It is also wise to allow your plants a few days to bed in before the introduction of any fish.

In general terms there are four types of plants which should be planted in a garden pond, particularly if you want to attract wildlife to the pond;

• Underwater plants and oxygenators which provide tadpoles and other larvae plenty of underwater cover from predators. Oxygenators (Water Weeds) are important in keeping the water clear as the underwater leaves absorb minerals and carbon monoxide, helping to starve algae.
• Deep-water aquatic plants such as water lily, water hyacinth, whose roots will lie on the bottom of the pond while their leaves and flowers lie on the surface of the water are good for pond life to rest on and to help shade the water in summer.
• Floating plants also help shade the water in summer and because they take up some of their nutrients directly from the water, they will compete with algae and blanket weed and help keep these in check.
• Marginal plants whose stems emerge through the water will be a perfect spot for larvae to crawl up when they are ready to turn into adults. These are also normally very attractive, colourful plants, such as water irises, they should be planted round the edges of the pond. Pollinator-friendly marginal plants are useful to attract bees and hoverflies in summer.

With the exception of the floating plants, it is recommended that pond plants should be planted in plastic baskets, then placed into the pond. By doing this it means that growth can be controlled and the plants can be easily removed for dividing the plants at a later date.

The basket should be filled with soil, do not add peat or compost, possibly enrich the soil with a little bone meal. Place the plant so that it is firmly in position in the pot and leave room for a layer of pea gravel on top of the soil, this will prevent the soil from being disturbed by fish. Some baskets may also require a hessian liner to be used and if so fit the liner.

Firm planting is required for all pond plants but extra care should be taken when planting water lilies. Remove old leaves from the water lily and trim back any fibrous roots and as with other species, plant firmly in the pot, so that the crown of the water lily is just protruding. Place the pot into the pond, in full sun and away from moving water from a fountain or waterfall, so that the youngest leaves are floating on the surface, gradually lowering the pot as the leaves mature and grow.

It is also worth noting that if you intend to add a fountain or a pump to create a waterfall, not only should you keep it well away from water lilies but you need to take care to screen the inlet to the pump from any fish you may have in the pond. You should also be aware that fish feed on some of the pond life that you may be trying to encourage into your pond.

You may also be considering some lighting, either around the pond area or in the pond itself, sometimes in conjunction with a fountain or a waterfall feature. As with all projects, it is as well to consider what you want the finished article to look like and how you want it to function, before you plan what plants you want and where you might want them.

If you think you would benefit from some professional help in selecting your plants, consult your local garden centre or pond specialist if you have one in your area. A waterfall or fountain will require an electrical supply and this should be done by a qualified electrician to ensure that this is done safely and legally. Always check that any contractor you may engage with has all the necessary experience and insurances in place to ensure a trouble free project.