In recent years we are seeing more and more often in the landscaping of public and private gardens that they also include one or even some decorative water areas. Their aesthetic arrangement requires certain specialist knowledge, not least knowledge of the special features of aquatic plants. Of course, this has a direct connection with the obligatory development of a detailed plan for their placement. Read here what you should consider if you want aquatic plants in your garden pond.
Special features of marsh and aquatic plants in the garden pond
The biological needs of this group of aquatic and marsh plants are crucial for their proper development. Some of them grow directly in the water, others near water, so the favorable location and sometimes the depth of the water are essential.
Depending on the need for moisture, the following areas and groups of plants can be distinguished:
– deep zone
– free and solid floating plants
– Flachwasserzone
– swamp area
– Wetland
– Dry beach
Deep zone
This is the area where the plants are actually submerged in water, developing partially or completely underwater. The ornamental species do not belong to this zone because they remain practically hidden beneath the surface of the water. But the aquatic plants in the deep zone are important for the overall balance of the ecosystem; they filter water and food for aquatic life. Typical representatives of this group are green Carolina hair nymph (Cabomba caroliniana) and Vallisneria americana, which are indispensable in terms of water filtration.
Karolina Haarnixe
American Vallisneria
Planted floating plants
This group includes species whose roots are embedded in the soil on the underside while the leaves appear on the surface. Planting is often done in special baskets protected with geotextile that lie on the ground. The bestTime to plantof these floating plants is in late spring and early summer, but if necessary this can also be done throughout the growing season. The most common representatives of this group include lotus (Nelumbo), European seapot (Nymphoides peltata), four-leaved Australian clover fern (Marsilea mutica), floating fern (water cabbage) (Ceratopteris pteridoides) and others, showing a wide variety of plants on the water surface. However, the queen of floating plants remains the water lily (Nymphaea). It has large, beautiful leaves that can be a good cover for the fish in the lake. The water lilies need calm water and most species require sunlight for at least 4 or 6 hours per day. The flowers of certain species open in the morning and close at sunset. The varieties selected are white, pink, salmon pink, and there is a pretty species whose flowers resemble those of peonies.
European seapot
Free-floating plants
These aquatic plants stay on the surface without coming into contact with the ground. In a favorable environment, representatives of this group multiply rapidly and occupy large areas of water. For this reason, their permanent removal is recommended. Typical free-floating aquatic plants are: water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), yellow water lily (Nuphar lutea), Humboldt's secant (Nymphoides humboldtiana), water nut (Trapa natans) and others.
Flachwasserzone
This area extends to a depth of 10 to 40 cm. The plants' roots and main stems are shallowly submerged, but the decorative leaves and shoots are above the surface. This group represents the transition between the plant world of the deep zone and the swamp vegetation. Typical representatives are the Indian calamus (Acorus calamus L.), cattail (Typha latifolia), pine fronds (Hippuris vulgaris), iris (Iris seudacorus), water clover (Menyanthes trifoliata), swan flower (Butomus umbellatus) and others.
swamp area
The swamp area is created by periodic flooding to which it is exposed. As a rule, the marsh plants do not grow much. Typical for the swamp area are: dragonwort (Calla palustris), stream speedwell (Veronica beccabunga), swamp iris (ir. Laevigata), marsh marigold (Calthapalustris), royal lobelia (Lobelia cardinalis), water mint (Mentha aquatica), forget-me-not (Myosotis palustris ) and the like.
wetland
This is the zone of constant soil moisture, which lies near the boundaries of the water surface. This area is equipped with features to make a smooth transition between the reed belt and the rest of the garden. Depending on the composite construction, a variety of plant species can be grown there. If you want to dominate the green color, you can rely on decorative types. If you prefer the dynamics of contrasts and the variety of pastel colors, look for more blooms and peculiar shapes. Suitable plants for wetlands include: Indian marigold (Darmera peltata), purple wren (Filipendula purpurea), ligularia, loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), mimulus (Mimulus luteus), pink primrose (Primula rosae) and the like.
Loosestrife
Rosa Primel
Before planting the aquatic plants, allow the plants to stay in the water for a few days to even out the temperature. When planting marsh plants, you must follow certain rules. Firstly, it is necessary to ensure sufficient light for the normal development of these plants. The majority of ornamental aquatic plants overwinter in water, so be careful when dealing with exotic species. Plant some perennials around the water pond that don't require much care.
