I have always been fascinated by gardening and have always wanted to build a pond in my garden. There are a few road blocks, I don’t have a backyard yet and I live in northern New England where it’s colder longer. I’ve recently been doing some research on plants and flowers for when I do get my house. Being advantageous, I’ve actually already come up with a design for my pond. It’s hard to find plants that grow in cold weather. But I have found five that I really enjoy and think would make excellent accents to the pond of my dreams. I went for plants that were perennials, they come back every year. When you decide to accent a water feature, think about your climate and where your water feature is located. Try to pick plants that will grow well in both shade and sun. Remember, your growing plants around the pond. Try to make it natural. Rose bushes probably wouldn’t be found growing wild around ponds, where wild flowers and grasses may be. I went with a color scheme. I enjoy deep shades of purples, pinks, greens and reds together. The plants I’ve chosen below follow that color scheme and grow great in colder climates. Just remember to have fun with this, the best part is the end result, but watching a creation come together is also satisfying.
Bleeding Heart or Spectabilis
This beautiful old plant is very hardy and grows well in just about any climate. Why is it a bleeding heart? When you look at the beautiful deep pink flowers you’ll know why. The heart shaped bloom looks as if it is bleeding white out the bottom of the blossom. It can grow up to 30 inches and can spread out for 20 or more inches.
This plant does like full sun, but I have found with my mom and grandma’s gardens that it does well in part shade as well. This would be perfect as an accent near your pond. The Bleeding Heart needs moist soil to grow well and will bloom from May to September.
Dwarf Fountain
This feathery grass is great to be planted around ponds as it is natural to grow near water sources. This grass grows arched and is great for ground coverage around your pond. The seed heads resemble a paintbrush and have a beautiful rose and copper hue. The Dwarf Fountain does give a great impression of a fountain as well.
This is definitely a plant that’s happy to be anywhere. It doesn’t matter what soil you put it in and it loves the full attention of the sun. It will grow to be approximately 2 feet tall and can cover up to 18 inches of ground. The Dwarf Fountain can definitely bring the natural pond feel to your man made pond.
Variegated Ribbon
Another beautiful grass plant. I chose this plant for its beautiful coloring. Variegated Ribbon have also been called strawberries and cream for its vivacious deep pink and white with green contrasts. It loves water. As a matter of fact it can grow in up to 4 inches of water. This maybe a plant that you’ll want to put directly next to your water feature. The Variegated ribbon also loves the sun, like the Dwarf Fountain.
In June the plant will grow magnificent white flowers that can reach an unbelievable height of 3 feet or more. Both the Dwarf Fountain and the Variegated Ribbon are best and disease repellent making them excellent for water features where insect counts can be high.
Ann Chowning Iris
By far my most favorite. I love Iris’ in every color shape and size. I especially love the little purple Iris’, however the Ann Chowning Iris bloom is a beautiful deep shade of red and compliments the Variegated Ribbon grass. A tall plant, it can exceed heights into the 3 foot range. It can also cover 1 to 2 feet of ground and loves sun. This beautiful flower, like it’s other companions I have chosen, needs moist soil to grow.
It’s important to make sure that it gets plenty of water so that it can grow to its full potential. Another added benefit of the Ann Chowning Iris is that it is a natural repellent for the deer who may wander on your property to find food and water.
Marshall’s Delight Bee Balm
Marshall’s Delight Bee Balm also offers great color. It is known for it’s deep hot pink flowers and deep green leaves. The flower not only looks good, but has several other uses. The leaves can be used for tea and is very fragrant. It will definitely add wonderful color to all the plants above and blooms from July to early September. As with all the plants above, it tolerates full sun and requires very moist soil to grow properly.
Bee Balm is also great for attracting hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. It will grow up to 3 feet and can also make good ground coverage;.
