Choosing water plants can be bewildering and you will find that there are always more desirable plants than there is space in the pond. For a balanced pond it is important to include submerged oxygenators as well as deep-water plants such as water lilies to provide vital foliage cover over part of the surface. The greatest variety of plants is found in the marginal plants which are planted in the shallow water around the edges of the pond.

If there is a cardinal rule for all prospective water gardeners, it is this: plan, plan and plan before you plant. By doing this, you have a good chance of achieving excellent results. Gardens put together on a piecemeal basis tend to contradict important principles of design and usually end up looking disorganized. To avoid this, consider these rules of thumb.

The key to success here is to determine the garden's main viewpoint, that is, the place from which it will most often be observed. To allow the clearest view of the water, situate large leaved and taller plants, as well as shrubs and grasses, to the rear of the pond. Smaller plants and flowers should be placed in front of the pond.

Choose plants that will make attractive color and profile combinations and give the garden a feeling of unity. Consider the mature size of each plant or tree as you plan its location. A small water feature can easily be overrun by a few fast growing varieties or obscured by a large tree or shrub. Likewise, small plants can be choked by one or two rapidly spurting neighbors. Also take into account the blooming season of each plant. With a bit of forethought, you can design your garden to provide an attractive burst of color throughout much of the growing season. It is a good idea to reserve at least a third of the garden for evergreen plants. These will provide a nice visual a background in winter, when the rest of the garden lies dormant. When deciding on plants, choose quality over quantity. Ponds packed with a vast array of species often end up looking like a jumbled mess. Select only the plant types that will help achieve the particular effect you want to create.

Before deciding on the number of plants, calculate the surface area of the pond. This information will come in handy when purchasing floating plants. For proper light penetration, and to allow harmful gases such as carbon dioxide to escape the pond, these plantings should cover no more than two thirds of the surface.

At some point in the planning process, it’s a good idea to make a perspective drawing of the water garden, arranging all important features such as plants, trees, shrubs, paths, and fences in their desired locations. Consider hiring a professional landscaper to do a concept plan as this will save you money and heartache in the long term.