Choosing Your Plants (Or Pick a Peck of Pickerel)

Despite its thick glossy leaves, flashy lavender flowers, and perky buoyancy, this beautiful floating plant is considered one of the worst plant pests in the world!

Brought to North America, from South America in the late 1800s The Water Hyacinth was a sensation! What a beauty, and prolific oh so prolific! Since hyacinths can double in number in just 12 days, it didn't take this exotic long to begin to take over in a big way. As a botanical nuisance the Water Hyacinth would be hard to beat. Imagine rivers and lakes so clogged with lush vegetation that all boat traffic is stopped, swimming is impossible and the shade produced by the infestation keeps sunlight and oxygen from reaching the water. That was the situation in Florida until just recently. Not that the problem no longer exists, but it is under control, barely.

Am I telling you not to raise water hyacinths? No, I grow them myself, but I am letting you know about your responsibility. If you grow water hyacinths, or any plant that is not native to your area, NEVER put the excess into lakes, rivers, or streams. If the plants multiply beyond your needs, compost them. The earthworms will thank-you.

I Need Oxygen!!

Oxygenators, a breath of fresh air for your pond. All pond life needs oxygen. these plants provide it. They also help combat algae (yuck). About the cheapest plants you can buy, they thrive in either sun or shade, you just can't go wrong with oxygenators. Most Oxygenators are submersed plants, they add variety, and interest to the look of your pond as well as keeping things clear and lively. These plants also provide places for your fish to spawn and play hide n' seek with predators.

You will need a fair amount, about one bunch per 2 square feet of pond surface. Don't skimp, you need them and they really are cheap!

Pick a Peck of Pickerel

Pickerel is a bog plant, so are Cattails, Papyrus, Arrowhead, and many other plants. Why do you want them? Aside from their blooms, interesting growing patterns and other personal charms, they fight algae by eating up the nutrients thus helping to keep the water crystal clear. Most of these do well in either sun or shade, and as the classification suggests, they grow best in the marginal areas of the pond at water depths of zero to three inches.

Finally remember, many

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