Four things to consider when building a wildlife pond
If you dig, they will come Whether you want a wildlife pond, formal water feature or a koi pool, you need to plan the project carefully. Each type of pool, pond or lake, requires a different approach right from the start. In this blog we are going to walk you through...
Butomus umbellatus the flowering rush
Marginal or centre stage? This native species is a good example of how adaptive pond plants can be. Generally it is sold as a plant for the margins of the pond, but we have found that it flowers best in water that is 10-20cms deep. Butomus loves it's silty mud well...
Lets talk about your pond in winter
We get a lot of questions at this time of the year about what happens to pond plants as the weather gets colder. So we thought we'd talk a little about your pond in winter. Although most UK pond plants are fully hardy, they are also mostly deciduous, so their top...
A place for everything – Creating a planting plan for your pond
What we all want from a pond is a happy, healthy water feature. A pond can be a beautiful addition to any garden, and if it is working well, any pond will encourage wildlife. A successful planting plan is key to a flourishing pond. It is a unique self-contained...
As featured on Gardener’s World
We were thrilled to watch Monty Don taking such good care of our little Candida lily on Thursday 12th July's Gardener's World. A couple of weeks ago the phone rang. I was busy watering (unsurprisingly!) and nearly couldn't reach it in my pocket. I'm very glad I did...
Practical tips for building a new pond
Location, location, location! When planning on building a pond, think about the water table. Most people today build their pond using a plastic or rubber liner. Beware though, build a pond where the water table level can rise to above the bottom your pond and you are...
Invaders to avoid – Banned invasive plants
Ever wondered what happens when plants do too well in our ponds, lakes and waterways? Some invasive plants can be a real problem. It's up to all of us to prevent them from getting a hold in our local environment. But would you know one if you saw one? At Merebrook...
The answer lies in the soil
One of the basic rules for effective planting in your pond is to plant each variety of plant into its own planting basket. This allows you to maintain control over the flora of your pond. But the key to successful planting lies with the planting medium you use in your...
A tisket a tasket you need a planting basket
So, you have your pond, and you've bought your plants, now what? First of all, for best results, we advise our customers to grow all plants in individual containers (except for some oxygenators), often referred to as planting baskets or crates. Unlike standard flower...
Growing bog, wetland and marginal plants
Natural ponds and other watery places, when left to their own devices, tend to be associated with surrounding boggy bits. These can provide a wonderful growing area for all kinds of special plants such as marginal plants or bog/wetland plants. Both native an...
How many plants do I need for planting my pond?
When planting up a pond, there is more than just colour or appearance to consider. We offer a range of pond plants all sizes of ponds and they fall into roughly three different categories: oxygenators deeper water plants marginal plants Each category of plants grows...
Everything you need to know about the Louisiana Iris
Origins As their name suggests, Louisiana iris are native to the coastal swamps of the US state of Louisiana, particularly around New Orleans. The first known reference to Louisiana Irises is around 1812, when John James Audubon painted what he termed a "Louisiana...
Eight steps to perfectly planted water lilies
We send out most of our plants bare rooted to keep delivery costs down. You will need to plant them up when they reach you. Even if you buy pre planted water lilies in pots, except for pygmy varieties like pygmaea Helvola, you will certainly need to re-pot them...
Water lilies stole our hearts
In 1972 we installed our first pond in our garden. It was a preformed, kidney-shaped plastic pond with some shelves. We dug the hole, dropped in the container and filled it with water. Then, like so many people with a new pond, we thought 'Now what?' In those days,...
Getting rid of silkweed or blanket weed from your pond
Each pond is a mini eco-system. Each element, the water quality, number of plants, and pond life, all combine to balance this little watery world. When the pond is in balance, the water will be clear and your plants, fish and wildlife will be happy. Blanket weed,...
What plants can I put in my Koi pond?
We will often tell you that Koi and pond plants are not friends. Of course you need plants to keep your pond clear and balanced but, the trouble (and joy) with koi is that they are intelligent and inquisitive fish. They are also, by nature, diggers - hence the...
Caltha Palustris the Marsh Marigold or Kingcup
Caltha Palustris, otherwise known as Marsh Marigold or sometimes Kingcup, is the earliest flowering of the commonly grown pond plants. It blooms in late March/early April bringing golden yellow brightness to your pond or pool. When planted into a 5lt planting crate...
Why should I have water plants?
You only need to browse through our store to see how beautiful water plants like our lilies are, how a marginal can brighten your pond's borders and the reeds can add interest and drama to even the smallest tub garden or the largest lake. Stocking your pond isn't just...
Menyanthes trifoliata marginal perfection
Otherwise known as bog bean, marsh clover, marsh myrtle, Menyanthes trifoliata is a fabulous native marginal plant. We think it is a beautiful must for any pool, especially wildlife ponds. It’s early flowering and a favourite with pollinators and much visited by bees, moths, butterflies and aphid loving hoverflies.
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...
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