Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Best Pond Plants

TPWTPW Posts: 15
in Plants
Hi everyone, i'm fairly new to gardening - i've only really embraced it this year so my knowledge isn't great and i rely on a lot of guides online! Most of my time this year has been spent planting new flowers and plants for my garden borders but i think i'm ready to tackle the pond now! 

It's 2.5m (l) x 2m (w) x 1.5/2m (d) and it has a basic setup at the moment, a pump, filter etc but i'm looking to add a few pond plants! I've got a turtle (Jessie) and load of fish in there if that impacts what plants to use. 

Any guidance would be great! 

Thanks,

Posts

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Your mention of a Turtle makes me wonder where you are located.  Whilst Red Eared Terrapins or even Soft shelled turtles can survive a decent summer in warmer parts of the UK, they wouldn't be permanent outdoor pond residents here.
    Your location will also make a difference with regard to advice re suitable plants for your pond.
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    You need to ask yourself what kind of pond you want.  From your comments, it is not a wildlife pond.
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Yes, you need to do a bit of research about plants suitable to your location and the species of fish. I don't know about turtles . Although there are general rules about planting up ponds, climate is going to be really crucial by the sound of it.
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    Basically my advice would be for a good mix of plants. It would be good to have an oxygenator, like hornwort, a lily to cover the surface and an emergent, like an iris (I wouldnt choose a flag iris as they can be to invasive). Getting a good variety of plants is the key no matter what your climate is.
  • TPWTPW Posts: 15
    Hi all, thanks for coming back to me! The turtle lives outside all year, we've had her for a number of years now and she's survived every winter :) I'm midlands based, Worcestershire to be a little more precise.

    My initial thoughts was plants to add a little life to the pond, however, i don't think i'm fully aware of the benefits that different plants offer. It would be nice to use some plants that attract some wildlife too. 

    Thanks in advance
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Good Lord, Worcestershire! And a turtle. How wrong could I be. I have common elodea for the fish, marigolds, water hawthorn and iris. There is water mint and a mini water lily. There are a number of online sellers of pond plants who also offer good advice.
  • MarlorenaMarlorena Posts: 8,705
    I recently planted up a little mini pond.  I found this nursery very good for service and plants, and advice as to what to order, according to size of pond.  Have a look around and you should find the information you need.
    All I know is, Waterlilies don't like running water, only still..

    https://www.watersidenursery.co.uk/tips-category/how-to-plant-your-pond/
    East Anglia, England
  • tigerburnietigerburnie Posts: 131
    Your terrapin will probably eat any fish in your pond, they really don't mix in captivity, as to plants, Frogbit is a great little plant as long as there's not too much splashing of the water from the pump, as has been said, most surface leaved plants do not thrive in turbulent water.
Sign In or Register to comment.