A Wildlife Planting Journey

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.

Cross section drawings of the pond
Pond built, final measurements being taken of marginal shelves.
Pond filled and ready for planting

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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.

Starwort (Callitriche stagnalis) – Bunched x 25
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Loose x 25

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'd like to visit during the National Garden Scheme open day, please click here to arrange your visit. This ⅓-acre garden, developed over 45 years, features mature trees, shrubs, roses, a fern garden and of course a beautiful large wildlife pond. Group visits of six or more can be arranged from February to September.