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Pond side plants in gravel
Unionworkeruk
Posts: 187
I have just replaced my small pond (plants only) with a full size sunken bath.
I am OK with the plants in the pond (bath) but would like to add a few plants around the top in gravel leading down to it.
It is only a small area so I need some small low level plants.
I have heard of beach type plants or coastal plants which could look quite good spaced out in the gravel and stones but I have no idea what to buy or where to find them.
Any advice would be useful
Thanks
0
Posts
Hi. You should choose the plants depending on whether the area will be damp (use marginal or bog plants), what the drainage/soil condition is and also consider the amount of sun that the area receives.
The gravel area around my pond is very shallow with a weed-suppressing liner beneath. Holes were cut in the liner and plants were positioned in these gaps, some in pots (done by previous owner). I have some grasses, Marsh Marigolds, Alchemilla Mollis, an Astilbe and a dwarf Acer. I also have some hardy geraniums and forget-me-nots on one edge, plus quite a few 'weeds' which self seed about (I just tidy these - some are pretty but the dandelions get pulled). I also have some Irises - they always look good next to a pond (and can be marginal).
If you would like wildlife to be attracted to the pond then having plants at the edge is essential. I am sure you will receive some tips on here.
If you think about coastal plants, you get grasses, sea holly, thrift or sea pinks, and horned poppy amongst others. You could create a similar feel in your (presumably) dry gravel with things like Festuca glauca,, Stipa tenuissima, Eryngiums , Armeria and Californian poppies ( Eschscholzia). None of these grow particularly tall except perhaps the Eryngium, but there is one called Blue Hobbit that is shorter.
The Stipa and poppies grow readily from seed, just sow where you want them and they will probably sow themselves thereafter, and the Armeria is generally easy to find (look in the alpines area) at most GCs. G*^gle fro stockists for Blue Hobbit, or you may find the taller Eryngium planum easier to find. Though it is quite tall, it is a see-through, not a bulky plant and the thistly flowers heads last well into winter.
Thanks to both AuntyRach and Buttercupdays who have given me enough names and help to not just get me started but to keep me going for the next few months.....
Thanks again