You may have chosen to install a pond in your backyard in order to grow water lilies and other aquatic plants. But even if you put in a pond to raise fish, or simply to enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of a water feature, plants are still an important part of a pond. They help to filter the water, and keep the water oxygenated, which will help fish to thrive. They also help to blend the pond into the landscape, and make it look more natural. A good selection of water lilies and other flowers will add a touch of color to your pond.

Several types of plants can be planted in and around your pond. A good combination of these plants will help to enhance the pond.

Bog plants and marginal plants are planted around the edges of the pond. The bog plants are placed in moist soil around the edge of the pond, and help to blend the pond in with the landscape. Marginal plants are planted in pots which are submerged in the shallow waters of the pond. The primary difference between a bog plant and a marginal plant is that the bog plants are not planted in the water, while marginal plants are.

Some plants will float on the surface of the pond. Plants such as water hyacinth and water lettuce float freely, with their roots hanging into the water below. Plants like water lilies are planted in pots submerged in the deep parts of the pond. The foliage and flowers float above, on the surface of the water. Both kinds of plants help to shade the water, and keep algae from forming. Water lilies also add a bright touch of color to your pond.

Underwater plants are plants that, as the name suggests, grow underwater. These submerged plants help to filter the water and keep it oxygenated for the fish. They also give the fish a place to hide from predators and from the bright sunlight. These plants also provide a source of food for fish.

Whatever your reasons for installing a pond in your backyard, plants are an important part of a complete water garden. They'll make it look a lot nicer, and help the pond's ecosystem to flourish. The proper plants will help to increase your enjoyment of your little backyard oasis.