Ponds are a major source of wildlife and no matter what size you can build in your garden; adding a pond or wet area can create an amazing wildlife habitat
After building and planting, the pond will quickly attract all sorts of wildlife, including birds, insects in many shapes and forms, mammals and amphibians. The pond feature will constantly change with the seasons and with time; not only will it offer an interesting and valuable habitat for wildlife, but it will look great too.
We suggest preparing the wetland and pond area in Autumn or Winter and planting in May although plants can be added at any time. Below is a selection of PlantWild native plants we can supply for including in your pond feature:
Plants for your pond
Marginals – on the edge
Yellow iris – Iris pseudacorus – a destination plant for dragonflies, damselflies and especially bees (use in larger ponds)
Marsh marigold -Caltha palustris – the bright yellow flowers attract bees and the dense growth is great shelter for frogs
Bogbean – Menyanthes trifoliata – loved by bees and adult moths
Ragged robin – Lychnis flos-cuculi – a nectar source for bees and butterflies
Meadowsweet- Filipendula ulmaria – a popular plant for pollinators including bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and even ladybirds
Emergent – planted below water level with the stems, leaves and flowers above water
Greater spearwort – Ranuncula lingua– a launch pad for dragonfly nymphs and nectar source for bees
Purple loosestrife – Lythrum salicaria – the striking purple flower spikes attract bees, hoverflies and butterflies including elephant hawk-moth
Branched bur-reed –Sparganium– the tall stems are a perfect resting place for dragonflies
Underwater – submerged below the water
Water soldier- Stratiotes aloides – provides shelter for frogs, toads, insects, and crustaceans
Plants for your boggy area
If you prefer to plant a ‘boggy’ wildlife area rather than build a pond, you will also create an interesting area, fantastic for attracting wild life.
There are 2 main types of plants – those that prefer a damp area which is damp but well drained and those that will survive in wet, muddy conditions, so are still happy if the soil is permanently wet and waterlogged.
For a bog garden/ moist area plant 3 9cm pots per 1m square, and below are some suggestions from the PlantWild catalogue:
Damp bog garden
Cowslip- Primula veris – an early nectar source for butterflies
Water avens – Geum rivale – provides shelter for amphibians whilst attracting bees and hoverflies
Meadowsweet – Filipendula ulmaria – a popular plant for pollinators including bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and even ladybirds
Marsh marigold – Caltha palustris – the bright yellow flowers attract bees and the dense growth is great shelter for frogs
Globeflower – Trollius europaeus – a pollen source for chiastocheta flies (which only feed
on globeflower), micromoths and bumblebees.
Hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum – attracts bees, butterflies and hoverflies
Ragged robin Lychnis flos-cuculi – a nectar source for bees and butterflies
Devils bit Scabious – Succisa pratensis – an attraction for a wide selection of bees and butterflies, including the Marsh Fritillary butterfly
Muddy bog garden
Yellow Iris – Iris pseudacorus – a destination plant for dragonflies, damselflies and especially bees
Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria – the striking purple flower spikes attract bees, hoverflies and butterflies including elephant hawk-moth
Water mint Mentha aquatic – attracts butterflies for nectar; dragonfly and damselfly. However, it is very invasive so best planted in a container
Marsh marigold Caltha palustris – the bright yellow flowers attract bees and the dense growth is great shelter for frogs