Wetland and pond gardens are designed to mimic a natural ecosystem found along the water's edge. In pond gardens, the water feature becomes the central focus, which can vary from expansive ponds to compact container ponds. The primary purpose of these gardens is to create harmonious spaces where water and plants coexist. Creating this ecosystem will welcome wildlife that might not otherwise inhabit the area. Native plants are a great addition to a pond garden because they help filter the water and stabilize the water's edge. Over time, pond gardens tend to naturally achieve balance. Adding native vegetation can accelerate this process, fostering a healthy ecosystem that supports beneficial insects, bacteria, and other animals.

To manage mosquito populations, consider introducing a pump or fountain to keep the water moving. Additionally, the presence of frogs or dragonflies can serve as natural mosquito control.

Key Elements of a Wetland/Pond Garden

Water Feature: The main component of the garden will be the water feature. Enhance the pond with additional features and textures. A small waterfall or strategically placed stones will draw the eye in.
Plants: Plants can be along the water's edge or growing in the pond itself. Opt for plants suited to damp or flood-prone conditions.

**Wildlife:** Wildlife such as frogs, salamanders, dragonflies, birds enjoying baths, and mammals drinking along the water's edge are drawn to these gardens. Avoid adding invasive species to your pond. Goldfish are commonly introduced into outdoor ponds, but they can become invasive. Keep your pond as natural and environmentally friendly as possible.

Moist Soil: Unlike rain gardens, which dry out between floods, wetland gardens stay wet. This makes them ideal for plants that thrive in wet conditions or standing water.

Native Plants for a Wetland/Pond Garden

These native to Ontario plants require moist soil to survive and thrive. While most of these species are best planted around the pond’s edges (will not tolerate standing water), some can grow directly in standing water.

Fully Submerged Plants

Plants that can be full submerged in the pond. Good for deeper areas of the pond.

Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia): Full Sun
Canadian Waterweed (Elodea canadensis): Full Sun
Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Sweet Flag (Acorus americanus): Partial Shade to Full Sun
Yellow Pond Lily (Nuphar lutea): Full to Partial Sun
Water Arum (Calla palustris): Partial to Full Sun
White Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata): Full to Partial Sun

Shallow Standing Water

Plants that can tolerate shallow standing water due to infrequent flooding. They prefer consistently moist soil. Will do well planted on pond edges.

Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Fringed Sedge (Carex crinita): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris): Partial Shade to Full Shade
Morning Star Sedge (Carex grayi): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Square Stemmed Monkey Flower (Mimulus ringens): Full Sun to Partial Shade

Pond Edges

Plants that do well along the edges of a pond. Consistently moist soil but not standing water.

Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica): Partial to Full Sun
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Culvers Root (Veronicastrum virginicum): Partial Shade to Full Sun
Foam Flower (Tiarella cordifolia): Partial Shade to Full Shade
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): Partial Shade to Full Shade
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum): Full to Partial Shade
Michigan Lily (Lilium michiganense): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Morning Star Sedge (Carex grayi): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Northern Bog Violet (Viola nephrophylla): Partial Shade but Tolerates Full Sun
Plantain Leaf Sedge (Carex plantaginea): Full to Partial Shade
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): Partial to Full Shade
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): Full Sun but Tolerates Partial Shade
Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica): Partial Shade to Full Shade
Water Avens (Geum rivale): Partial Shade but Tolerates Full Sun
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense): Partial to Full Shade
White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra): Partial Shade but Tolerate Full Sun (Tolerates temporary flooding)
Wood Fern (Dryopteris marginalis): Full to Partial Shade

Adaptable Plants

These plants prefer moist soil but can survive short infrequent droughts. They do well planted close to a pond but not directly at the waters edge.

Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Full Sun
Blue Stem Goldenrod (Solidago caesia): Partial Sun to Full Shade
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii): Full Sun to Part Shade
Bottlebrush Rye (Elymus hystrix): Full to Partial Shade
Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Heart Leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium): Partial to Full Shade
Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens): Partial Shade to Full Shade
Pawpaw Tree (Asimina triloba): Partial Shade
Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale): Full Sun
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): Partial Shade to Full Shade
Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum): Full Sun to Partial Shade
Sweetgum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua): Full Sun (Can grow up to 60-80 feet and their seeds can be quite messy)
Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera): Full Sun to Partial Shade (Can grow up to 60-90 feet)
Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Full Sun to Partial Shade

Wetland & Pond Garden