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 - Oxygenators

To achieve a balanced and healthy environment for your pond, aquatic plants are essential. They act as a natural water purity filter and provide surface cover in your garden pond.

Plant foliage absorbs carbon dioxide and minerals from the water which 'starves' the algae. About half of the water surface should be covered with foliage to achieve this balance.

Oxygenating plants are very important for keeping the water clear. Their roots and stems are submerged and usually the leaves are submerged as well. Usually they are supplied in bunches. A rough guide to quantity is to plant one bunch for each 3 sq. ft. of surface area.

Generally oxygenating plants do not produce a flower, although there are a small number that do. Water buttercup is one example that you may like to try.

Some standard oxygenator plants include: Water milfoil which is very effective for a small pond. Willow moss is evergreen, slow growing and effective. Hornwort and curly pond weed are also effective plants to try.