There are four types of aquatic plants to maintain an optimal balance in your water feature. These four types will give you balance to the water and a suitable ecosystem to support fish and other aquatic life. There are also four good reasons for for having plants in you feature.

Reasons for plants in the garden

1. Plants will decorate you feature and make it aesthetically pleasing
2. Plants make a good place for fish to hide and swim                   
3. Plants help to oxygenate the water for the aquatic life                
4. Plants help to reduce the growth of algae and heat in the water 

Types of plants for the garden

1. Oxygenators- Keep the water from turning green with algae             
2. Floaters- Control and reduce algae by moderating the sun light         
3. Marginal plants- these are added for their beauty around the pond      
4. Deep water plants- reduce algae and are a good environment for fish

     For proper plant growth the feature should have sunlight from six to ten hours a day. This will ensure enough light for photosynthesis and will not let the water heat up to kill the fish and plants. The plants should be treated once you have gotten them if you are to have fish and aquatic life in the water as well. This will ensure that you do not have parasites and disease on the plants that may harm the aquatic life. Once the problems are in the water you will have a much harder time trying to get rid of them. You can get the treatment at a local pet store, and use the product as directed. The best time to plant your feature is in the late spring and early summer. This is when the plants are actively growing and it will be easier for the to climitize to the new environment. When purchasing plants it is best to go to a specialized nursery to get the material. They will have more of a selection and will be able to tell you about the plants. They may also know how to get the exotic lillies that you may need.