Jelly Bean Tetra - Ladigesia roloffi - Federation of British Aquatic ...

In areas close to, but not in, the pond
you can dig out channels of up to
30cm wide and nearly the same
depth then place more liner or even
"bin bags" so they hold water (but not
completely water-tight) and refill with
well- rotted compost with enriched
soil like a loam that will hold water
and stay moist.
These areas can contain many plants that add to look of your pond without
needing to have their roots submerged and so encroach into the valuable
water space. Plants like Iris, Hostas, Butomus umbelliatus, Zantedeschia
aethiopica and Houttuynia.
Inside the pond edge more
fully aquatics can be placed
in baskets such as
Aponogeton distachyos
with long elongated green
floating leaves and white
waxy, vanilla-scented
flowers. But also it’s time to
cut back any that has overgrown
the water surface,
remove it from its container
cut back the root system by
using a sharp spade if
necessary and replant in
fresh aquatic soil, obtainable from aquatic centres along with some clay
made into small balls and placed around the roots.
Now dust off your best garden chair and watch all the wonderful things that
happen in and around your pond.
Article by Mark Goss inspired by Joe Swift (Gardeners World April 2011)
32