Bringing a Customer’s Pond to Life: A Wildlife Planting Journey
When this customer contacted us, they had a clear vision - a wildlife-friendly pond with a natural planting scheme, all ready for their National Garden Scheme opening in May. They provided detailed measurements, hand-drawn cross-sections and a preferred colour palette of white, blue and creamy yellows.
The pond itself measured 6m x 2.5m with a 750mm deep centre. It was already built and lined with black geotextile membrane, ready to be covered with 40mm–70mm cobbles for a natural look and wildlife shelter. Their design left the gazebo side open, with planting planned around the dry stone wall and decking.
We created a planting plan that would establish quickly, complement their design, and provide structure and colour in time for the NGS opening. We studied their photos and drawings, then put together a tailored plant list - focusing on non-invasive species that attract wildlife while delivering instant impact.
A cross section drawing of the pond, the pond built with final measurements taken of the marginal shelves, and the pond filled and ready for planting.
PLANTING PLAN:
Marginal Shelf Planting
These plants soften the pond’s edges, provide shelter for amphibians, and attract pollinators with long-lasting blooms:
- Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) – 1ltr x 6
- White Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris ‘Alba’) – 3ltr x 5
- Louisiana Iris ‘Waihi Wedding’ (Iris louisiana ‘Waihi Wedding’) – 3ltr x 5
- Golden Club (Orontium aquaticum) – 3ltr x 5
- Pickerel Weed (Pontederia cordata) – 5ltr x 4
- Cyperus Sedge (Carex pseudocyperus) – 3ltr x 5
- Water Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis scorpioides) – 3ltr x 5
- Miniature Bulrush (Typha minima) – 3ltr x 5
- Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘Crowborough’) – 3ltr x 5
- Bog Arum (Calla Palustris) 3ltr x 4
Deep Water Plants
Chosen for their ability to shade the water, provide shelter for aquatic life, and enhance biodiversity.
- Fringed Water Lily (Nymphoides peltata) – 1ltr x 6
- Water Hawthorn (Aponogeton distachyos) – 3ltr x 3
Waterlilies
Waterlilies provide shade, reduce algae growth, and offer resting spots for pond insects.
- Gonnere Waterlily (Nymphaea ‘Gonnere’) – 10ltr x 2
Oxygenators
Oxygenating plants help maintain clear water, absorb excess nutrients, and provide hiding places for aquatic creatures.
This carefully curated plant selection ensures a healthy, balanced, and wildlife-rich pond, with a beautiful blend of structure, colour, and seasonal interest.
If you would like to visit this stunning garden and wildlife pond, you can book a visit through the National Garden Scheme. This beautifully developed ⅓-acre garden, created over 45 years, features mature trees, shrubs, roses, a fern garden, and a breathtaking wildlife pond. Group visits for six or more can be arranged from February to September. Click here to book a visit.
Freshly planted wildlife friendly pond plants settling in, by June the plants are fuller and growing well, and flowers bloom as the pond matures into a lively wildlife haven.
