Page 311 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

PLANTS AND LANDSCAPING 309

PLANTING POND PLANTS
Plant pots may need
Marginal plants and water lilies will grow readily in a layer of soil Marginals should to be weighted
at the bottom of the pond but are most easily managed if they be planted in
are grown in special planting baskets; this allows the plants to be plastic baskets
moved as required, keeps a check on the growth of faster-growing
species, and also minimizes the risk of liner damage by invasive
plant roots. Choose a relatively large basket, to allow a good
amount of space for growth, and fill it with special aquatic
potting mix, which creates ideal conditions for pond plants.
When planting, never bury the crown of the plant below the
surface of the soil, because this will cause it to rot in the
water. Oxygenating plants can also be planted in baskets,
to contain their growth, while floating plants can simply Young water lilies should
be placed on bricks so
be placed on the surface of the water. that their leaves sit on
the surface of the water

Marginal plants
grow well in
shallow water
Do not allow
Large stones can be added to Spreading gravel over the top of plants to dry Marginal plants should be placed on the marginal shelf,
out before
planting baskets to stop them the soil helps to weigh down the planting with the top of the planting container positioned beneath
from tipping over; this is plant until it has taken root within the water level. Raise young water lilies on bricks at first,
especially useful for tall plants. its planting basket. gradually lowering them as the plants grow larger.

PLANTING STYLES
The plants in and around a pond have a great effect on the overall edges of the pond. Small ponds often benefit from the inclusion of
impression created. Traditional, formal ponds often incorporate low- taller, more architectural plants, such as reeds and grasses, which lift
growing plants, such as water lilies, which do not mask the crisp, neat the eye, making the pond appear larger.

Three varieties of water lily (Nymphaea ‘Escarboucle,’ ‘William Falconer,’ and The vertical emphasis of the planting in this courtyard pond, achieved
‘Marliacea Albida’) adorn this large, formal pond, which is bordered by the tall, through the use of tall marginals, such as irises and rushes, enhances the
elegant spikes of Iris laevigata ‘Variegata,’ Canna flaccida, and Schoenoplectus geometric lines of this modern style, while a single water lily (Nymphaea
lacustris. Myriophyllum verticillatum covers one corner of the pond. ‘Gladstoneana’) softens the look and provides cover for the fish.

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