When people think of backyard garden ponds, the first thing that often comes to mind is the eclectic mix of vegetation. While fish are important, they are not always seen; instead, the visible environment, the shrubs and trees and flowers, are what make the first impression. However, while these plants are testaments to good landscaping, the important plants are the plants inside the pond.

Pond plants, while not always seen, are essential to the maintenance and health of garden ponds. Without these plants, fish would probably not be able to survive in the pond, and the water itself would become toxic. Choosing pond plants is an important step of the pond building experience, and every homeowner must remember that different plants serve different purposes: sometimes, aesthetic value is the smallest concern.

The Circle of Life

Like most vegetation, pond plants breathe in carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen, at least during the day. At night, these plants breathe in much the same manner as human beings. This cycle makes them essential to the environment of any garden pond. Pond plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into oxygen, oxygen that is released into the pond water. This process, called photosynthesis, is used by the plants to produce energy in the form of sugar.

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