Top Tips

Get the most out of your pond with our Top Tips.

From pond design to planting plans and wildlife ponds to tackling problem blanket weed,
we probably have an article to suit! Whether you’re looking to encourage more wildlife to
your garden, setting up a patio tub pond or hoping for a wow display, we have it covered. 

Four things to consider when building a wildlife pond

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...

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Butomus umbellatus the flowering rush

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...

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Lets talk about your pond in winter

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...

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As featured on Gardener’s World

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...

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Practical tips for building a new pond

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...

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Invaders to avoid – Banned invasive plants

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...

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The answer lies in the soil

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...

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A tisket a tasket you need a planting basket

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...

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Growing bog, wetland and marginal plants

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...

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How many plants do I need for planting my pond?

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...

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Everything you need to know about the Louisiana Iris

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...

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Planting water lilies in 8 steps

Planting water lilies in 8 steps

If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well. Follow our guide to planting water lilies and make sure you give your new pond feature the best chance of putting on a wonderful summer display. We send out most of our plants bare rooted to keep delivery costs down and...

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Water lilies stole our hearts

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,...

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What plants can I put in my Koi pond?

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...

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Caltha Palustris the Marsh Marigold or Kingcup

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...

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Why should I have water plants?

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...

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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. 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.

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