Water gardens are a great way to add vibrant plant life to your backyard, and they work well in a small pond or fountain. Many homeowners prefer the beauty and serenity of water plants over a traditional flower bed. You can create a beautiful and thriving aquatic ecosystem, but you need to start with the right plants. Here are some of the best beginner plants for your water garden that require little maintenance and can benefit your existing water features.
Water Lilies
Lily pads are the first option many people think about when they imagine aquatic plants. These flat green plants look amazing floating on the water, and they bloom into stunning flowers. Water lilies are easy to grow and come in a range of shapes and sizes, which helps them adapt to any size pond.
They’re a beneficial option if you have koi fish in your pond, as the shade the lily pads provide can keep your pond healthy during the hot months. Water lilies help control algae growth by absorbing nutrients in the water and are easy to plant with a little aquatic soil at the bottom of your pond.
Creeping Jenny
Another one of the best beginner plants for your water garden is the Creeping Jenny. It’s a simple perennial that decorates your pond with long, trailing stems that grow around the water’s edge. It grows quickly and requires very little maintenance, getting most of its nutrients from the pond water and partial sunlight. You can grow Creeping Jenny by planting it in the soil just outside your pond or in shallow water.
Cattails
Cattails are another iconic plant that comes to mind when people think about aquatic flora. Their tall stocks and visually pleasing brown flower spikes stand out from other plants. They can help filter the water, and their flowers provide beneficial shelter for pollinator insects such as bees and butterflies. If you have a smaller pond, it’s best to plant them in a pot submerged in shallow water to keep them from spreading too much.
Water Hyacinths
Water hyacinths are free-floating plants that are easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners. They feature glossy green leaves and beautiful lavender flowers that rise above the water. Their dense root systems hang below the surface, providing excellent water filtration and a safe haven for small fish and invertebrates. Simply place them on the water’s surface, and they will grow with minimal effort. Be aware that they reproduce quickly, so you may need to thin them out periodically.
Choosing the right plants is the first step toward a successful and beautiful water garden. Starting with these plants that are easy to maintain helps create an initial foundation, and from there you can decorate with more varieties to create the vibrant environment that’s right for you.
