Menyanthes trifoliata marginal perfection

Menyanthes trifoliata marginal perfection

Otherwise known as bog bean, marsh clover, marsh myrtle, Menyanthes trifoliata is a fabulous native marginal plant. It has large, attractive 3-lobed leaves and is one of the earliest flowering pond plants. In May and June it forms delightful spears of pink buds which...
Blanket weed – why is it such a problem?

Blanket weed – why is it such a problem?

Blanket weed can be a major problem in garden ponds because it is unsightly, can clog up the other plants in the pond, especially oxygenating plants and can reduce the level of oxygen in the water which can harm the pond life. The presence of blanket weed is always a...
How do I plant up an earth-based pond or lake?

How do I plant up an earth-based pond or lake?

Planting up a lake or a large, earth-based pond poses a different challenge from planting up a lined pond or garden pool. A large earth-based pond or lake environment offers an ideal opportunity for pond plants to run, grow and expand.  You do have to be careful to...
How do I make a wildlife pond?

How do I make a wildlife pond?

Starting from scratch, fill your new wildlife pond from a tap, natural spring or by temporarily diverting a nearby water course.  Don’t use rainwater as this may well be too acidic for pond plants and can contain harmful pollutants. Whatever kind and whatever size of...
Are Water Lilies Difficult to Grow?

Are Water Lilies Difficult to Grow?

Premier among pond plants is the water lily.  There are two main groups of water lily in the world, the hardy water lily and the tropical water lily. Tropical water lilies do not like our climate and are difficult to grow unless you have a specialist tropical...