Protective underlay liners are recommended by all pond construction experts. While this is advocated to line the dug-out before the pond liner is installed, it can also be laid above the liner for added protection if adding a planting shelf . Whatever your choice of pond lining, the secret to a natural looking pond is to make sure that the edges are completely concealed by lining with paving stones or hidden underground.

Once the edging is completing and the pond filled, the next step is to add water garden plants. There are numerous plants to choose from and therefor researching your options before heading down to an aquatic plant stockist can certainly help with the decision process. Prior to this however, you need to plan the desired effect you want to create with your pond.

Plants are chosen according to their habitat and the dramatic effect they display giving height, breadth and colour to the overall garden scene.  Aquatic plants are also chosen for their ability to oxygenate the water, provide food and offer shelter to pond creatures.

Water garden plants are categorised into five groups:

•  Floating leaf plants – these provide cover to spawning fish and aquatic creatures
• Aquatic plants – give off oxygen and they take-up waste nutrients so important for maintaining healthy, clear water.
• Bog plants (love a constant level of moisture) – these plants thrive in waterlogged soil and provide cover for frogs and insects.
• Marginal plants – plants that thrive on the edges of the pond and provide valuable protection to frogs and fish.
• Background garden plants – any plant that will compliment your water garden

Tips to choosing water garden plants:

• Take note of the character as well as dimensions of your pond and surrounding garden area. 
• Try to visit a number of water gardens and look at the type of plants that impress you most
• Every type of water garden requires an individual planting scheme. A large informal pond will look great when surrounded by a wide range of pond plants and back-ground plants that are natural to the area. Whereas small formal ponds need just a few choices of aquatic and floating-leaf plants.
• Take note of all plant characteristics before making a purchase.
• Buy plants that suit the location.

Plants should be chosen for their qualities and their dramatic effect they will display.

If you are planning the installation of a pond in your garden and need expert advice and on selecting the best quality pond liners, contact one of our pond experts at Liners Online.