When planning pond landscaping, it is important to choose plants suited to a wet environment. Some plants thrive in these environments, while to others, continual moisture can be deadly. It is also important to determine any plant toxicity, especially if there are animals on the property that may drink from the pond water. If possible, it may be a good idea to sketch the pond area, as this could be helpful in determining placement of plants and other landscaping accents.
Often, the best resource when planning pond landscaping is expert advice. A nursery or landscaping specialist can usually help identify types of plants that will thrive in a pond environment. In addition, many books are available that are devoted to plant life in or around aquatic environments. Though the books could be helpful, a local nursery is much more likely to be well informed about local climates and soils, and may be better able to offer individualized advice.
Some popular choices for plants used in pond landscaping include various types of lilies, ferns, and swamp rose. Trees that prefer marshy environments include willows, sycamores, and cypress. These are only a few examples, and climate concerns will need to play a part in determining which plants to use. This is another reason why using a local nursery or garden center could prove invaluable, and in most cases, workers there should be able to offer information on what plants to avoid if there are pets or livestock with access to the pond.
It is possible to use plants for pond landscaping that are not necessarily suitable to wet environments, but to do so could require extra planning and work. One way to add these plants is to install elevated planting beds around the pond. If done correctly, this can protect the plants from excess moisture. For best results, these beds should not be installed at the edge of the pond, but set back a few feet.
A sketch or drawing can be an excellent way to help envision how the pond area may look when the landscaping is complete. It could help identify areas that may need more attention, as well as areas that may be overplanted. In addition, having a sketch of the area to present to a nursery may help in choosing plants of the correct height and mass.
Pond landscaping often includes garden accents such as fountains, rocks, and boulders. It may also be a good idea to plan a seating area. Though benches are an obvious choice, large boulders with flattened surfaces may also be used. Using boulders for seating could work particularly well if a more natural look is desired.