This part is still somewhat about the cosmetics, but there’s some more important stuff involved than just looks once you get inside the pond. In other words, we’re getting more into the workings of this little eco system.
In chapter 2, when we were discussing pond construction, we talked about the “ledge most of the way around the perimeter of the hole, about six to twelve inches down from the top and about twelve inches wide”. This is the plant shelf. All of the pond plants live IN the water, either on the bottom, floating on the surface, or on top of the submerged “shelf”.
Types of plants that live on the bottom of the pond are Anacharis, an underwater grass, Camomba, an underwater weed (but pretty), and Hornwort. They are all oxygenating plants and the Hornwort provides the extra benefit of being toxic to algae. Water lilies are oxygenating plants but more outstanding because although rooted on the pond bottom, the lily pad and blossom float on top of the water. Other top floaters are Water Hyacinth, Parrot’s Feather, and Water Lettuce. These plants will grow quickly and give your pond some needed shade.
How To Build A Beautiful Backyard Pond