Best Aquatic Plants for Your Dam Or Pond: The Full Guide

Proper management of dams and ponds requires much. This is especially the case when such water reservoirs are needed in the long run. Nevertheless, when one fully utilizes the nitty-gritty in proper dam management; it can not only be beneficial to your garden but also you.

Our bodies are made up of 90% water. 70% of Earth itself is covered by water bodies. Combining water and plants in your pond means life, health, and wealth as you aggravate the working of the ecosystem. The availability of water and aquatic plants also attracts wildlife and provides a breeding ground.

The wildlife that’s attracted feeds either directly on the plants’ roots, seeds, and leaves, or indirectly through the microorganisms and insects attracted. Ornamental plants such as sedges and rushes offer birds a breeding ground. Their stems also provide a breeding ground for frogs. Moreover, their seeds are often food for such wildlife.

The good thing about the native aquatic plants is that they support the ecosystem. They provide providence to aquatic life and those that live on land too. This enables the natural habitat in any environment to flourish. That said, it is important to thoroughly analyze the type of aquatic plants best suited for your area. We will discuss more on this as we progress.

Mixing Exotic Water plants with Native Aquatic Plants

In most urban and suburban regions, the problem arises in finding the right breed to plant. Nonetheless, coming up with the perfect breed suited for your area will help wildlife survive periods of drought. This also helps recreate the vibrancy and beauty of nature in your backyard. This brings a form of serenity to adults and growing kids in your family. It is possible to achieve this goal by mixing up the native aquatics with suitable exotics.

Deciding on the Native Aquatic Plants

Failing to plan results in failure. We cannot tell you the best aquatic plants suited for your local area but we will guide you depending on various factors. These include:

• Your goals: What are your intended goals for that water garden? What are you trying to achieve and what will you use it for? What style of the pond do you intend to have? Do you want the pond to be seasonally drained or kept full all year round? Are you looking for indigenous species? If so, you will have to reach out to your local authorities in the best direction.
• Location of site: A strategic location is needed which will determine several factors. These include: the size of the well/pond, the quantity of sun received, how warm will the water get, and will it receive any form of protection from frost?
• Space: Your landscape planting will be hugely determined by how much garden space you have.
• Regulations: Some aquatic plant life may be regarded as weeds by the local authorities. Most authorities, therefore, have set regulations on which aquatic plants should be planted.
• Aesthetics: Beauty matters and when your plant life fails to portray this, you may end up neglecting it altogether. This may necessitate planting aquatics of various sizes depending on the water depth to bring about that natural landscape appeal.
• Water depth: This affects various prevailing factors including plant type and from which zone. An ecologically balanced pond has got a selection from all zones.

These zones are the same that were mentioned in our Edible water plant guide, so let’s have an overview of the other plants that serve as a decoration and protection to your dam.

ZONE 1

Include drifters and floaters such as Duckweed that are found on the surface. They act as an excellent food source for frogs and fish. They are referred to as ‘Moisture-loving plants.’

They act as water filtering plants thus resulting in healthy ponds. This is done through sucking excessive nutrients which would be toxic to aquatic life and promote algae. Once they’ve grown in excess, they can be simply scooped with a spade and recycled as mulch and high nutrient manure for your garden. This also ensures the pond doesn’t heat excessively during warmer months. An overall coverage of 50-60% is, therefore, encouraged.

Another good example of a floater would be Water Lettuce whose lengthy roots act as a shelter for fish to spawn. One thing to note about this plant. It’s required to have a special permit in some regions and countries to plant it due to it’s the aggressive speed of growth. Others include;

• Brooklime
• ‘Golden Moneywort
• Siberian Iris
• Marsh Marigold.

ZONE 2

Plants in this category are found in the bog areas or pond edges. They are commonly referred to as ‘Marginal Pond Plants’ and can be found about 6″ / 15 cm deep. They can withstand seasonal flooding and also their roots out of water for short periods. They stabilize pond edges and are normally found around swampy areas, edges of waterways, ponds, lakes, and wetlands.

They tend to synchronize the surrounding landscape with the pond bringing about a natural appeal. Nonetheless, they are prone to damage from birds and cat claws. Conversely, these control erosion through their feeder roots hence maintaining general water quality. They also help in drainage lines. Finding a perfect combination of bog plants and waterside plants not only attracts wildlife offering them a natural habitat and food, but they also bring about that desired look you’ve been looking for.

They include;

• Pennyworts
• Japanese Iris (and other irises)
• Tassel Rushes
• Sweet Flags
• Papyrus
• Aquatic Mint.

ZONE 3

Here, the depth increases, and the plants here are more comfortable underneath. Most of the leaves can be found submerged while the roots are completely below the waterline. The depth here is around 15-25 cm (6”-10”) and the plants are recognized as ‘Deep Marginal Pond Plants”. Nonetheless, they are mostly tall enough allowing the leaves to remain outside.

They soften the pond edges hence promoting pond-scape. They also provide shelter to aquatics and protection from certain predators e.g. rats. They are commonly used to create a foliage mat since they usually shack over the surface of the pond. They, therefore, become especially useful in camouflaging plumbing from pond pumps as well as ugly wiring.

They are encouraged in pools and ponds that cannot allow for deeper waters. They are also suited for planters and urns. Quality examples include;

• Milfoils
• Pickerel Plant
• Soft Stem Rush
• Water Irises
• Bulrush
• Cattails.

ZONE 4

Alternatively, they can be called ‘Submerged Pond Plants’ and are usually found at a depth of 20-40cm (). They have a better adaptation to varying water levels. They can be sub-categorized into two;

1. Underwater Plants – These have foliage which is thinner, more delicate, and completely immersed in water, the likes of Vallisneria (Ribbon Grass). Their nature allows them to move freely in water and replant themselves elsewhere. Much care should be taken, nevertheless, since some of this variety act as weeds. A good advantage of underwater plants is their oxygenating power. They are known to add oxygen into the water at night hence improving overall quality and clarity. The roots and leaves also filter toxins.
2. Emergent Plants – Have both foliages outside and inside the water and include sedges, rushes, and Water Milfoil. They reduce sunlight penetration thus minimizing algae growth beneath. They provide shelter and hiding spots from predators.

That said, it is important to have a good selection and combination of the two since they both have their advantage. Examples include;

• Hydrocleys Nymphoides (Water Poppy)
• Spatterdock
• Hornworts
• Water Hawthorne.

ZONE 5

Usually found beneath 40cm below the waterline. They not only enhance the design but also tend to balance the pond. Their primary job is to reduce evaporation levels, regulate water temperature, and reduce the growth of algae while also promoting the general water pond quality. This is best observed during dryer periods.

In most regions, there are more regulations concerning the growth of such aquatic plants. The ones which can go much deeper such as Waterlilies take much longer to grow and develop. Nonetheless, once grown, you will experience a quality pond life and a stream of wildlife flourishing and adding a general touch to your pond.

Summation and Conclusion

Both exotic and native aquatic plants are seen to have their gains and pitfalls when mismanaged. At the heart of it, one needs a good selection from every zone to balance the aquatic conditions of the dam/pond. The zones are recognized from their water depth and these are useful in determining the type of aquatic plant that would flourish there. To achieve this, one needs to consider several factors that would also ensure they are in line with their local regulations.

Some of the pros with the aquatic plants are that they tend to act as food sources for wildlife including birds, frogs, and fish. Moreover, they provide shelter and protection against predators as the aquatic plants avail credible hiding spots. In addition to that, they also act as grounds for breeding and hiding eggs which encourages the growth of aquatic life.

These are just but a few of the reasons why you ought to consider the best aquatic plants for your water reservoir. In the end, it is not only the ecosystem in terms of wildlife that will benefit, but you will also reap some rewards through the beautification process, oxygenation, and gardening assistance. This is not to mention the peace of mind. Now, who can avoid all that?

Water plants suppliers

• https://www.australwatergardens.com.au/
• https://www.woodvalefishandlilyfarm.com.au/products/plants/water-plants/water-plant-pack/
• http://www.walliscreekwatergarden.com.au/
• https://www.suncoastaustralia.com/