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Start by thinking in terms of balance. A healthy pond combines marginal, deep-water and oxygenating plants to regulate light, absorb excess nutrients and support wildlife.

Choosing plants by category rather than appearance alone helps prevent algae problems and supports long-term clarity.

For structured guidance, see:
• Balanced Pond Planting Guide
• How Many Pond Plants Do I Need?

For long-term water clarity, aim for plant growth to cover approximately 50–70% of the pond surface over time. This level of coverage helps reduce algae by limiting light penetration and absorbing excess nutrients.

The exact number depends on pond size, depth and plant type. Under-planting is one of the most common causes of green water in new ponds.

For detailed guidance, see:
• How Many Pond Plants Do I Need?
• Balanced Pond Planting Guide

A well-planned planting scheme is the foundation of a stable pond system.

Yes. Many marginal, floating and oxygenating plants thrive in container ponds.

Even small ponds benefit from a balanced combination of plant types to maintain water clarity and ecological stability. Choose plants suited to the available depth and avoid overcrowding.

For depth planning and planting zones, see:
• Pond Planting Zones Guide

Container ponds can be simple to manage when planted thoughtfully from the outset.

Planting depth is measured from the top of the pot to the water surface.

Each product page and plant label provides a recommended depth range. Some species establish best when started slightly shallower and gradually lowered as they mature.

For detailed guidance on depths and zones, see:
• Pond Planting Zones Guide
• Deep Water Planting Guide

Correct planting depth is essential for healthy growth and flowering.

Yes. Oxygenating plants absorb dissolved nutrients, support beneficial bacteria and contribute to overall pond stability.

They are particularly important in wildlife ponds and fish ponds where nutrient levels are higher. Without oxygenators, excess nutrients remain available for algae growth.

To understand how many oxygenators are appropriate for your pond size, see:

• Balanced Pond Planting Guide
• Oxygenating Plants Collection.
  
  A balanced pond system always includes oxygenating plants.
  

Most new ponds take several weeks to stabilise.

During this period, water may appear cloudy or green while plants establish and beneficial bacteria develop. As the pond reaches ecological balance, clarity improves naturally.

Patience during the first few weeks is important. Avoid overcorrecting with chemicals, as this can delay natural stabilisation.

Planting depth is measured from the top of the pot to the water surface.

Each product page and plant label provides a recommended depth range. Some species establish best when started slightly shallower and gradually lowered as they mature.

For detailed guidance on depths and zones, see:
• Pond Planting Zones Guide
• Deep Water Planting Guide

Correct planting depth is essential for healthy growth and flowering.

Yes. If repotting, always use aquatic compost.

Aquatic compost is designed to be low in nutrients and stable underwater. Standard garden compost or soil can cloud water and encourage algae growth.

Green water is caused by microscopic algae feeding on excess nutrients and light.

Long-term clarity is restored by increasing plant coverage, strengthening oxygenation and reducing nutrient accumulation. Shade and barley straw can also help, although improvements develop gradually.

For planting structure guidance, see:
• Balanced Pond Planting Guide

Clear water is maintained through planting balance rather than chemical correction.

Yes. Healthy plant growth competes with algae for nutrients and provides shade across the water surface.

Persistent algae usually indicates insufficient plant coverage or excess nutrients. Increasing planting density is often the most effective long-term solution.

Most new ponds take several weeks to stabilise.

During this period, water may appear cloudy or green while plants establish and beneficial bacteria develop. As the pond reaches ecological balance, clarity improves naturally.

For planting balance guidance, see:
• Balanced Pond Planting Guide

Patience during the first few weeks is important. Avoid overcorrecting with chemicals, as this can delay natural stabilisation.

Yes. Tap water is suitable for most garden ponds.

If adding fish, allow the water to stand for 24–48 hours before introducing them. In wildlife ponds, avoid chemical treatments and allow the ecosystem to develop gradually through planting.

Many hardy aquatic plants naturally die back in autumn and winter as part of their seasonal cycle.

New growth appears in spring as temperatures rise. This process is normal and indicates healthy seasonal rhythm.

Yellowing leaves are usually caused by natural ageing, planting depth issues or nutrient depletion within the compost.

Check that the plant is within its recommended depth range and receiving adequate sunlight. Older leaves can be trimmed to encourage fresh growth.

Some plants flower in their first season, while others focus on root establishment first.

Flowering performance depends on sunlight, planting depth and overall water balance. Once established in suitable conditions, most hardy species flower reliably each year.

Most UK hardy aquatic plants are safe for fish and help maintain water quality by absorbing nutrients.

In heavily stocked ponds, ensure adequate oxygenation and avoid overcrowding.

Yes. Our plants are selected to support pollinators, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.

Avoid fertilisers and chemical treatments in wildlife ponds to preserve ecological balance.

Yes. Koi commonly graze on aquatic plants.

If keeping koi, protect plants using raised shelves or enclosed planting areas. Goldfish are generally much gentler on plants so fencing is not usually needed, and all plants are suitable for them.

Our potted plants do not need immediate feeding as the compost they come in will be fresh and with plenty of nutrients. If, over time, or when repotting, a fertiliser is needed then we recommend the use of a slow-release form to prevent sudden or excessive nutrient release into the water.

Some species spread gradually through roots or runners. Check plant descriptions for growth habit before planting.

Most hardy pond plants tolerate UK winter conditions. In very shallow water, or if you live in a particularly exposed area, protect sensitive plants from prolonged freezing.

Most pond plants can be planted from spring through autumn. Growth is strongest between April and September.
We update our website every day with the status and availability of plants, and we only want to sell them at the best time of year for them to be planted. If a plant is shown as being available now, then it can be planted now, otherwise the plant will be on pre-order for delivery and planting in season.

Molluscs such as pond snails can support ecosystem balance by feeding on algae and organic matter. Only introduce species suitable for closed garden ponds.

During the main growing season (April–August), we dispatch Monday to Thursday. Dispatch frequency reduces outside peak season to ensure plants travel in optimal condition.

You will receive a confirmation once your order leaves the nursery.

For after-delivery guidance, see:
• Receiving and Caring for Your Plant

Each plant is inspected and prepared before dispatch to support successful establishment on arrival.

We cannot guarantee specific delivery dates because plant readiness depends on growing conditions. If you need delivery around a certain time, please contact us using the Contact Us email page to tell us what you need, and we will do our best to help you.

Due to the short time between receiving and picking and dispatching an order, however, the window for cancelling an order is limited, so please do contact us in advance wherever possible.

We deliver to England, Wales and Scotland.

Delivery to Highlands and Islands may incur higher courier charges, which are calculated transparently at checkout. We do not currently ship to Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.

Delivery charges depend on parcel size and weight, and are calculated at checkout when you enter your address.

Smaller orders are sent via Royal Mail or parcel courier. Larger or heavier orders may be palletised for stability.

Please see see our shipping policy here.

No. Our couriers will leave your plants in a safe place if no one is home. We recommend leaving clear instructions in the delivery notes field during checkout, and ensuring the area is shaded.

We recommend unpacking promptly and placing plants at their correct depth as soon as possible.

Plants sent via Royal Mail of parcel courier are securely packed in recycled and recyclable cardboard boxes and sealed in recyclable plastic bags to retain moisture during transit.

Large orders or orders containing 30 litre potted plants will be wrapped on a pallet and delivered to you. You will be contacted by the pallet company ahead of the delivery.

All plants are checked for quality before leaving the nursery.

Plants are protected during transit and can tolerate several days in packaging.

However, we recommend unpacking and placing them in water as soon as possible after delivery.

For step-by-step guidance, see:
• Receiving and Caring for Your Plant

Aquatic plants often appear soft after transit.

In most cases, they recover fully once placed at the correct depth in water. If you remain concerned, contact us within 24 hours with photos and your order number so we can assist.

Please contact us within 24 hours with your order number and clear photographs.

If there is a genuine issue, we will arrange a suitable resolution promptly.

Live plants are perishable and cancellations are only possible before preparation begins.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to amend or cancel an order.

Due to their perishable nature and biosecurity considerations, live plants and molluscs cannot usually be returned if you change your mind.

If you have concerns about your order, please contact us as soon as possible.

Yes. Non-perishable accessories may be returned within 14 days if unused.

Please contact us before returning any items.

Refunds are issued to the original payment method.

Please allow 5–10 working days for processing once confirmed.