Water Plants

Q. What kind of water plants are there?

There are as many water plants as there are the stars in the heavens. Seriously, water plants fall into three types:

Marginals and bog plants – Water Iris, Cattails and rushes, bog bean are example of plants that like very moist, even partially submerged conditions. They dress up the edges of the pond and help soften rockwork, creating a more natural appearance to a man-made pond.

Floaters – Water hyacinths, water lettuce are examples of plants that float freely on the surface of the pond, providing water filtration and shade.

Submerged/semi-submerged – Water lilies, Parrot feather and other such plants exist partially underwater and partially above in widely varying depths for optimal conditions. Others, such as Anacharis, live entirely submerged and help disguise the man-made liner bottom as well as water filtration.

Q. What plants require the least amount of work

There are no natural plants that require no work. Even plastic plants require dusting. Short of a gardener or a brother-in- law who lives in the city but loves plants, all real plants are going to require some work. The trick is to pick plants and plant them in such a way as to minimize work and maximize returns on that small investment.

Q. Can I do without plants?

Sure you can. You are mistaken in what you want however. You don’t want a pond. You just want a water feature.