Pond Building - Adding Life To Your Ponds
Now that you have your Pond filled with fresh water it is time to stock it. The first decision to make is whether you will introduce fish, or simply populate the area of the pond with plant life.
Goldfish (Carassius auratus), which come in a number of specially bred as well as basic form, are popular and relatively easy to keep. Their basic requirements are space (allow ten to thirty gallons of water per fish, depending on size); food (they are voracious eaters); and clean water (which can be a problem, because since they eat a lot they excrete a lot). When these requirements are met goldfish can live for ten years or more, and can grow to many times their juvenile size. It is not uncommon for them to overwinter successfully beneath the ice of a frozen pond. They certainly add fascination to any pond.
Another life form you may want in your pond is the algae-eating snail (Viviparis malleatus). This little critter does a great job in keeping your plants, and the bottom of the pond, in order as it vacuums up algae and other detritus.
When it comes to plants for your pond, you have enormous choice. Not all plants are welcome in all states, so before ordering interstate it would be wise to check with certified nurseries or landscaping contractors regarding the status of any particular plant in your jurisdiction.
Let’s first distinguish between those plants that will live in the water, and those that will live on the margin of the pond.
Among the water dwelling plants we can distinguish between plants that float on the surface of the water and plants that live a submerged life. Among the former are the water hyacinth, including the large Blue Shellflower water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), which not only grows well and is a hardy plant, but also helps to filter the water in the pond and keep it clean. Another spectacular landscaping plant for the pond is the water lily (Nymphaea). These grow from tubers, and are best planted in pots. Start them off in shallow water and move them into deeper water as they grow. Water lilies need to be given fertilizer at frequent intervals after planting. They come in a range of colours, and there are both hardy and tropical varieties. Most spectacular of all is the lotus, a hardy perennial tuber. In the right conditions some varieties of this plant can produce flowers of twelve inch diameter. Once again, the tubers need to be planted in containers. They also need applications of fertilizer to be at their best.
On the margins of the pond you can have a great array of landscaping plants, some just in and some just out of the water. Among the former are the Chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis), not to be confused with the invasive weed sometimes known as water chestnut (Trapa natans). Eleocharis dulcis has small edible corms that are very popular in Chinese cooking.
Another edible plant, though frost tender, is the taro (Colocasia esculenta), also known as elephant’s ears. Both its leaf and corm can be eaten, suitably prepared. Eaten raw, it is toxic. Other plants of the pond margin include irises, rushes and grasses (for cooler regions); and cannas, hibiscus and spider lilies (in warmer climates). Among the irises, the hybrid Louisiana iris is hardy and comes in a number of cultivars, with a stunning range of colours. The grasses, which include dwarf bamboos and sedges, can be used to give structural, almost architectural, effects to the backdrop of a pond.
You will also find that your pond attracts life without your input. Birds, butterflies, frogs and other creatures will all be attracted to the habitat you have created. They will all add color and character to your garden.
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