Creating a thriving wildlife pond doesn’t require a huge budget or dozens of plants—just a thoughtful selection and smart planting can go a long way. At Envii, we recently expanded our own pond setup and took the opportunity to plant five perfect aquatic species that bring beauty, balance, and biodiversity.
Here are the five stars of our small wildlife pond:
1. Water Lily
A staple for deeper areas (30–60cm deep, depending on pond size), this plant adds oxygen, offers shade to reduce algae growth, and provides shelter for frogs. The pads start purple and turn green as the weather warms, bringing both beauty and function.
2. Miniature Reeds
Perfect for vertical structure and a classic pondside look, these compact reeds flower around July. They thrive in shallow water with crowns about 5–10cm below the surface—ideal for marginal shelves.
3. Iris Versicolor
This stunning iris produces purple flowers that attract pollinators and adds strong visual interest. It likes to be submerged by about 5–10cm, making it a great fit for deeper marginal zones.
4. Aquatic Mint
Fragrant, edible, and wildlife-friendly, aquatic mint thrives in shallow, damp areas. Be warned—it can spread! Keeping it in a basket helps manage growth while offering pollinators a sweet treat.
5. Marsh Marigold
A firm wildlife favourite, this early bloomer provides a burst of yellow in spring. It loves boggy edges and is a magnet for frogs and insects. It’s also great for tucking into pond borders.
Planting Tips:
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Use aquatic baskets to control root spread and make repositioning easier.
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Stick to aquatic compost, which is low in nutrients to prevent algae.
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Top with gravel if possible, to help weigh down soil and reduce mess.
We’re also using a natural bacteria treatment (like Sludge Klear) to help maintain water quality as the ecosystem grows.
With just these five plants, we’ve covered every pond zone—from deep water to shallow edge. Keep following us for updates as the pond evolves!
