Make your pond 'pop' by adding plants

Water features can be relaxing and eye-catching additions to outdoor spaces. According to the online gardening resource Garden Know-How, a water feature is any landscape enhancement that uses water and other materials to bring tranquility and beauty to a space.

Thanks to their soothing sounds and aesthetic appeal, water features like ponds and fountains are often included in healing gardens. However, they can be used in any landscape.

Homeowners can explore various water features, such as waterfalls, koi ponds and even rain bells, which offer soothing chime sounds when it rains. One consideration when installing a water feature is whether or not to incorporate live plants. Certain plants are better suited for water features than others.

Surrounding plantsIt is possible to create a miniature ecosystem in a yard by surrounding a water feature with certain plants. Gardening Know-How advises using canna lily or taro at the pond’s edge. These plants thrive with roots in mud and their tops in shallow water. Broadleaf arrowhead is another option, which can do well in a pond’s shallow edges. It’s a perennial, so it will return and require little maintenance.

Floating plantsMany plants can live on the water’s surface and provide hiding spots for wildlife in a natural water feature setting. Lotus, also called water lily, is a popular and fragrant option. Water hyacinth produces vibrant lavender flowers that pop on stems that can reach three feet tall. This stunning species can be invasive but can be managed by planting within a hoop or submerged woven basket. Other free-floating plants to consider are duckweed, fairy moss and butterfly fern. Floating plants look beautiful and can help filter water and control algae growth.

Submerged plantsSubmerged plants are necessary for water features with fish. They are grown in weighted pots placed on the bottom of the pond. They provide shelter for fish and help oxygenate the water. Hornwort, anacharis, water milfoil, and dwarf sagittaria are some examples of submerged plants.

Water features attract wildlife, including potentially pesky insects. Planting pitcher plants in submerged pots can help reduce the presence of unwanted insects in a water feature.

Some water-loving plants are invasive, so it is always best to check with a local agricultural extension or the Department of Environmental Protection to see if certain floating or submerged plants are restricted where you live. For those who want to contain plants, placing pots of cascading greenery and flowers near fountains, pools and ponds is another way to add appeal without digging in the ground.