Water Gardens

Water gardens are a very attractive feature. Adding a simple pond or creating a series of pools can give your garden it's own unique character. There are many options available, and even a small shallow bird bath type water feature will still be a great way to attract wildlife into your garden.

The following small guides should provide some useful advice.

Aquatic Plants - General Information

A garden pond requires plants growing in it to maintain a balanced environment and healthy condition.

They provide food, oxygen and shelter for pond animals.

Ideally the pond should be situated where is will receive both sunlight and some shade. The smallest plants in a pond are the microscopic phytoplankton and these provide most of the food for the different types of natural wildlife that will inhabit the pond over time.

Phytoplankton and larger algae form the first part of the pond's food chains.

A pond planting scheme should take into account the four main categories of plant.#

- Marginal or Shallow Water Plants

- Floating Plants

- Oxygenating Plants

- Deep water Plants

Each type of plant requires specific condition in which to grow. The marginal category offers the most variety, and is the usual choice for the more ornamental value plants.

A visit to your local suppliers is the best option for getting an idea of the range of plants that will work well in your area.