Planting Shoreline Aquatics

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Rich Binsacca

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Shoreline plants thrive in constantly moist conditions outside a water feature’s liner. In nature they receive water from nearby ponds or streams. In a water garden setting, you must provide them with the water. Test and prepare your soil so that it meets the needs of the specific species you intend to plant. Then to plant them directly in the garden soil, take the steps shown in the following pictures and described in their captions.

Planting Shoreline Plants - Step 1

Install shoreline plants outside the liner of your water feature. Place them on the site in their nursery containers, spacing them according to your garden plan.

Planting Shoreline Plants - Step 2

Dig holes 1 inch deeper and 1/3 wider than the nursery container. Add 5-10-10 starter fertilizer to the bottom of the hole as directed on the package, then cover it with a little soil to prevent direct root contact.

Planting Shoreline Plants - Step 3

Gently remove each plant from its nursery container. Invert the plant while supporting it with your palm. Tap the container and carefully slide out the plant.

Planting Shoreline Plants - Step 4

Set the plant into the hole with the top of its root ball even with the surrounding soil. (Use a spade handle to help gauge the right depth.)

Planting Shoreline Plants - Step 5

Firm the soil around the plant using your flattened palms. Water thoroughly and repeat regularly until the plant is well-established. Maintain moist soil conditions with an irrigation system.

Planting Shoreline Plants - Step 6

Plant shoreline plants that have invasive tendencies in containers, as you would other aquatic plants, then bury the containers directly in the ground outside the pond liner. Provide a reliable source of water other than from the water feature itself, such as hand-watering or a drip irrigation system. This approach is the only way to control plants such as colonizing bamboo, spearmint and cattails.

Warnings

Always watch children and pets around water! Although garden ponds and other water features aren’t swimming pools, curious minds can’t help themselves (especially if streams and waterfalls are involved)!

Tips

Some shoreline plants can be invasive, and some have soil needs much different than typical garden soil, including acid-alkaline balance (or soil pH). The solution for both problems is to install your plants in containers in the proper soil for the species before burying them in the shoreline soil.
Shoreline plants are the transitional plantings your water feature needs to really look like a natural setting. For inspiration, visit streams, ponds and beaches in your region and note how the water’s edge is concealed by plants ranging from rushes to trees. Duplicate the effect in your own water feature.

Definitions

Shoreline Plants: Also called bog plants or boggy marginals, shoreline plants grow in the soil outside the watertight liner that forms the water feature. Some require damp, well-drained soil. Others thrive in constantly moist conditions. In a natural environment, shoreline plants receive moisture from groundwater and their pond. In water gardens, plant them in the same manner as for typical garden plants, but give them the regular waterings they require to maintain adequate soil moisture and thrive.

Come to The Garden Party and share your aquatic adventures with the rest of our Learn2Grow community! Join the Water Gardening Group, post some pictures of your aquatic feature, create a blog, or learn from our experts or other home gardeners on more ways to enhance your water garden experience.

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