For gardeners creating a water feature or pond is a great opportunity to use a new range of plants. Given the correct planting site and healthy water conditions, they will thrive.

Deep water Oxygenators also known as Deep Marginal Plants can tolerate conditions from boggy grounds to depths of up to 60cm of water above their crown.

When deeply submerged, they act as oxygenating plants. Two great NZ native deep water plants are the Water Milfoil, Myriophyllum aquaticum and Ranunculus aquatilis, the water buttercup.

Waterlilies are considered deep water plants, with tropical hardy and miniatures varieties available. Check individual varieties for ideal planting depth.

MARGINAL PLANTS:

Plants most happy with their roots in water are included in this category. They can Grow as the edge of a pond with their roots in the water, or in boggy situations. Popular plants include the Irises, Orphiopogon and Elegia Capensis.

BOG PLANTS:

Bogplants are more suitable in damp, moist situations. They are ideal on the side of ponds for stabilising soil and adding beauty. Many bog plants can tolerate normal garden situations as well.