Gardening Services Guide

Aquatic water gardening involves the planting and maintenance of several different types of plants. The individual plants mentioned in this article are but representative of many species belonging to the various groups. An aquatic water gardening handbook or encyclopedia will provide a more comprehensive list.

Water lilies are the most popular flowers used in aquatic water gardening, though it is certainly possible to have a beautiful water garden without them. Water lilies, which are classified as hardy or tropical, are biologically beneficial to ponds because they provide protection from fish and discourage the growth of algae. Hardy water lilies include the Albatross, which has large white blossoms; the Graziella, with orange-red blossoms; and the Moorei, with soft yellow blossoms. Among the tropical water lilies are those with such self-descriptive names as Blue Beauty, Maroon Beauty and Red Flame.

Deep water aquatics are those plants used in aquatic water gardening that require water to be at least a foot deep. The Sacred Lotus is a popular species, as are Golden Club and the Japanese Pond Lily. Different plants require different depths of water, so be sure to do research before planting.

Submerged plants are important because they are oxygenators, vital to the survival of the fish and other aquatic life in your pond. They also serve as biological filters, removing from the water the salts and wastes upon which algae thrives. S few species even produce surface flowers. Plant your oxygenators a few weeks before you put fish into the pond. Some of the submerged plants most commonly used in aquatic water gardening are Anacharis, Canadian Pondweed and Carolina Water Shield.

Marginal plants are those that grow well in the mud around the pond or in just a few centimeters of water. Many of them are excellent for container water gardening. Among the most popular are Japanese Iris, said to be the most beautiful of irises; Pickerel Weed, which has a lovely blue flower; and Hardy Canna, which produces long stalks of violet flowers.

Peripheral plants are those that serve as a “frame” for your water garden. A pond without suitable surroundings can look out of place and very artificial. Peripheral plants also hide things that might distract from the beauty of your water garden, like fences or utility buildings. Peripheral plantings should be in keeping with the scale and the atmosphere of the rest of the water garden. Do you want the overall atmosphere to be formal or informal? Evergreens are good for a formal setting. A mix of plants that naturally grow near ponds, such as ferns, sunflowers and bog lilies, are excellent for an informal setting.