Water gardens and other bodies of water bring a touch of natural calm to outdoor spaces. The soothing sounds and movements of water encourage relaxation, inviting us to pause and admire the show provided by aquatic plants. Water gardens are complex ecosystems where plants play an essential role in maintaining balance and the overall health of the pond. Besides creating a natural environment, aquatic plants are essential in combating the eutrophication of water bodies.
Eutrophication, an excessive nutrient enrichment process, leads to rapid algae growth. This phenomenon reduces dissolved oxygen levels in the water, potentially harming fish and other aquatic organisms.
The benefits of aquatic plants
While enhancing the beauty of your garden, aquatic plants also serve practical purposes beneficial to it. Here are some of those benefits:
- Natural filtration
These plants help filter impurities and excess nutrients in the water, in turn maintaining clean and clear water conditions. - Oxygenation
Submerged plants increase oxygen levels in the water, vital for the health of fish and other aquatic life forms. - Habitat and shelter
Plants provide habitat and shelter for fish, insects, amphibians, and other aquatic life forms. - Algae control
Some plants, by absorbing nutrients, help prevent algae proliferation. - Temperature regulation
Plants provide shade to the pond, maintaining a cooler temperature, less conducive to bacterial growth.
Creating the perfect plant balance in your water garden
There are 3 main categories of aquatic plants, each with a unique function. It is by combining them that you can create the perfect balance, a clean and clear water easy on the eyes!
Rooted floating-leaved plants
These plants, rooted in aquatic substrate, have leaves and flowers that float on the water’s surface or emerge above it:
Water lilies
Sacred lotus
Yellow floating heart
Rooted submerged plants
Just like the floating-leaved plants, rooted submerged plants are rooted in aquatic substrate, but their foliage develops entirely underwater, where they stay permanently
Elodea
Vallisneria
Bacopa Caroliniana
Free floating plants
Free floating plants do not require substrate and float freely on the water’s surface. They absorb nutrients directly from the water.
Water Hyacinth
Water Lettuce
Water Fern
A well-balanced water garden creates a harmonious environment, ensuring clean and inviting water that supports a variety of beneficial wildlife. Whether you’re considering adding aquatic plants, preformed ponds, pumps, or maintenance products, we have everything you need to create and maintain a healthy water garden sanctuary. Visit us today!
