Topic: Marginal Planting

[Mimi]

Finished builing my pond before Christmas.  It has sat very patiently waiting for planting. Me, Im just itching to start with the planting of the pond and the bog garden i have made at the back of the pond. So for all you pond lovers  can you give me your top 10 of marginal plants.  I would not only like the name but also why you like it.  Hopefully this will help me in my choice of plants.

[Carol]

Hello Mimi,  
I am sure I cannnot be much help really,  some really clever people will tell you the names but my favourite pond plant is the Iris, it is a must.  I like my purple and yellow Iris they are beautiful, BUT  I cannot tell you their names.  Any good stockist of Pond plants will sell them though.  I also like the Marigolds which come out too.  Also long grasses with variagated leaves.  Over to the experts but just put in my twopence worth.
Will speak Sat.  out tonight.  Bye

[aquilegia]

I'm hopefully going to have yellow flag irises, ragged robin and lobellia cardinal (I already have it in the garden - just need to move when pond is dug). I don't know anymore than that, so will be following this thread!

I love the shape of the iris flower and the strappy leaves. Also as it's a native, it suits my wildflower principals.

the lobellia has gorgeous scarlet flowers and deep red foliage - a really nice contrast against the green.

I think RR looks really sweet and I like the unusual raggedy flower - also it's native.

[Muddy_Boots]

Just a few suggestions Mimi

Hostas, slugs don't seem to do so much damage round pond for some obscure reason!

Astilbe
Caltha - Marsh Marigold
Geums
Iris - definitely as Carol says
Mimulus
Ferns
Carex
Primula




Word of warning, if you have plastic or butyl lined pond, steer clear of Typhus (Reeds)

They have such sharp roots will pierce liner in no time.  There are types which you can use but Margaret may be able to tell you.

Another caution, I had creeping jenny round mind and went crazy, spent more time pulling it out than enjoying it!


Hope this helps

Kate

[aquilegia]

ooh - geums - I have two of them as well - didn't realise they were marginals!

[Garden Manager]

Sorry to butt in but i thought Geums were border plants not pond plants?

Just i got some geum seeds free with my annual seed order from T&M. Was hoping to grow some for a border. :-/

[Muddy_Boots]

Neither did I, Aqui, til I checked me book!  Always thought they liked it a bit dry but, must be like hostas, thrive in both!

Kate

[aquilegia]

Richard - my two have been in a border for a year and are doing fine, so don't worry!

[Doris_Pinks]

I agree with MB, with all her plants, and yes I have geums too! I also have a fern, and Arum lily, Also that (plant that I cant remember that smell like lemons when it is crushed..rats, whats it called...............will amend if I can think of the wretched thing!! My biggest fave tho is my  4 year old gertie Gunnera! (EKK I hear you all scream!!) My pond is quite small, and I have Gertie in a 20 inch pot which is submerged in the soil,next to the pond. this way she doesn't suck all the water out of the pond, or grow to monster proportions, and is controllable!
Have gardeners garters too, in a pot, well under control, they are thugs too, but lovely plummage!!  DP

[Muddy_Boots]

Just a thought.  Gunnera are very impressive plants but the leaves are poisonous so, if you have young children, might be better to give it a miss for the time being  :)

[Mimi]

Doris, that is wonderful news about your gunnera.  Really wanted one but didnt want to swamp the pond with massive growth.  Will deffo give the 'bonsai' treatment a go.  ;D Is that all you do keep it in a smallish pot.  Any other tips?  Muddy you are soooooo sweet, thinking that Im that young I have little ones.  Bless :-*

[Doris_Pinks]

Mimi, I cover her over in the winter with straw and a bucket, and divide her up every couple of years! (Just chop bits off, and donate to others!) They do require plenty of water in the summer, but they soon tell you cos their leaves droop! :'(   Buy the biggest pot you can dig the hole for!

[Muddy_Boots]

Doris, that is wonderful news about your gunnera.  Really wanted one but didnt want to swamp the pond with massive growth.  Will deffo give the 'bonsai' treatment a go.  Is that all you do keep it in a smallish pot.  Any other tips?  Muddy you are soooooo sweet, thinking that Im that young I have little ones.  Bless :-*

I was thinking you might poss have grandchildren Mimi  ;D ;D ;D

[Mimi]

I have started planting up the bog garden. So far have put in some Hostas which where an end of season bargain from Focus.  Four for 49p  so i bought 2 packs, of course (cant pass up a bargain like that)  and I have also put in some day lilies.  Can anyone suggest some grasses that would like to be in the marginal areas.  The shelves are between 6 inches to 1 ft.

[traceym]

I grow Geum Rivale in a bog area,they are shorter than the normal border types,with flowers that droop down,they come in yellow,pink and white.

[Mrs Ava]

DP, when you are next slicing up your gunnera, if you have any wee bits that noone wants, Ava has always wanted one and we would give it a good home  ;D ::) ;D

[Doris_Pinks]

I will be delighted to give you one of my babies if it need divying this year EJ!  ;D  ( Iwas going to type that I would love to give Ava a piece, but thought that might have sounded a bit wrong!! :o)