The function of aquatic plants are many, varied and critical to the health of ecosystems in lakes and ponds. For example, through the process of photosynthesis, pond plants oxygenate the water. Pond plants also provide cover and shelter for pond fish as well as other insects, amphibians or even birds. Pond plants also provide a surface for certain algae and bacteria to cling to and breakdown polluting nutrients and chemicals, becoming a source of food for other organisms higher in the food chain.
Pond plants are also a valuable source of food as the production of leaves and stems fuel the food web. Pond plants can prove to be a source of contention particularly if they in some way interfere with the intended use of the pond however, when well planned, pond plants play a key part both in natural and constructed ponds as they are critical in providing a balanced ecosystem. There are four main categories of pond plants:
- Submerged pond plants: These are plants that live under the water with roots in the soil. Examples of submerged pond plants would be pondweed or bladderwort.
- Floating pond plants: As the name suggests, these pond plants float on or close to the water surface, with their roots either floating or attached to the soil at the bottom of the pond. Examples of floating pond plants would be duckweed or lily pads.
- Emergent pond plants - These are plants that are rooted underwater however the larger part of the plant is visible above water. An example of such emergent pond plants would be arrowhead, rushes or cattails.
- Shoreline pond plants - Shoreline pond plants in a lake or perhaps large garden pond prefer the edge of the water however can they can still survive when they are flooded during the wet seasons. Examples of shoreline pond plants would be the blue flag iris or certain shrubs or even small trees.
Perhaps you are considering building a garden pond into your outdoor space. Perhaps you are already caring for a garden pond but would like to enhance its beauty and improve its ecosystem. Purchasing and planting the correct pond plants is an ideal way to do so. However, you may feel unsure as to what species of pond plants is best for your garden pond. Additionally, you may have questions with regards to the care and upkeep of such plants. The Waterworks Aquatic Centre based in Leicestershire is a company dedicated to the supply of all products and livestock, plants and accessories in connection with water gardening, garden ponds, pond fish and pond plants. We have a team of experts who collectively boast years of experience in our field. We take pride in ensuring the people of Leicester receive the highest quality products and customer service. We love what we do and we love to share that same passion with our customers as we help to guide them into making the best choices, they can for their own garden ponds.
