3 days ago
Gardeners urged to discard banned pond plant classified as 'definite weed'
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As garden ponds heat up, aquatic plants are thriving, but it's crucial to maintain a balanced mix to ensure the pond's health. Oxygenating plants like hornwort and water buttercup help purify the water by absorbing nutrients, while floating native plants such as frogbit and water soldiers offer additional surface coverage and nourishment for fish.
However, this week I received a question from a reader concerned about a dense green plant blanketing his pond, which he suspected might be a weed. From his description, it sounds like parrot feather, or Myriophyllum aquaticum, which is indeed a weed.
It's categorised as invasive and its sale is prohibited. My suggestion would be to remove all of it, bag it, and dispose of it in the bin.
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To replace its oxygenating function, I recommended the British native plant Myriophyllum spicatum, also known as spiked water milfoil. This aquatic plant thrives submerged in slow-moving streams and ditches, as well as lakes and ponds.
It has feathery leaves and tiny reddish flowers that bloom on spikes in June and July, reports the Mirror.
On the other hand, we should promote the growth of hardy geraniums, or cranesbills - they are among the most reliable and adaptable herbaceous perennials for any garden. Available in a broad array of shapes, sizes, and colours, their growth habits range from tidy ground-covering plants to shrubby mounds several feet high.
This variety makes them ideal for ground cover, floral borders, and even pots or containers.
Moreover, they're incredibly simple to cultivate. A variety of species flourish in partial shade, some can tolerate full shade, while others thrive in full sun.
They require minimal upkeep, are generally resistant to pests, and their delicate, open blooms attract pollinators.
The colour spectrum ranges from pure white and soft pinks to deep purples and vibrant blues. As I recently strolled through my own garden, I realised I have no less than seven different varieties.
At the front, I grow Geranium macrorrhizum, a creeping pink semi-evergreen that's gradually spread over the years in a most pleasing manner. Its sticky leaves emit a fresh, herbal aroma when rubbed – a delightful surprise.
It's my go-to plant for dry, shady spots where little else will grow.
Nestled beneath the birch trees is 'Ann Folkard', easily recognisable with its bright magenta flowers and dark centres. It copes well with dry shade and looks striking next to the limey-green froth of Alchemilla mollis.
It has a more rambling habit, naturally weaving through neighbouring perennials.
A star performer yet to bloom is 'Rozanne', renowned for its large, violet-blue flowers that bloom continuously from early summer to autumn. It's equally comfortable in borders or containers – perfect for patio gardeners seeking long-lasting colour.
In the back garden, you'll find Geranium palmatum, a geranium native to the Canary Islands. Despite its preference for sun, it's surprisingly happy in partial shade.
A biennial that self-seeds freely once established, it boasts lovely fern-like foliage and delicate pink flower sprays.
Equally modest but just as delightful is our native G. robertianum, or herb Robert.
Depending on your viewpoint, it's either a delightful wildflower or an unwelcome weed. I quite like its unexpected appearances – particularly at the base of my tree ferns, where the small pink blooms beautifully contrast with the dark, hairy trunks.
Hailing from Madeira is the showy G. maderense – arguably the most spectacular of all.
A tender biennial, it needs protection in cooler regions and can only be grown outdoors in mild, coastal gardens or under cover. When it blooms, it creates a stunning dome of pink flowers that are well worth the effort.
Let's not forget 'Mrs Kendall Clark', a taller variety with elegant grey-violet flowers and foliage that turns red before winter. She's an ideal companion to roses, lavender and other herbaceous plants, thriving in sun or part shade in moist soil.
You might think that would be enough, but geraniums are addictive. I'm already considering 'Samobor' for a shady spot. With its dusky maroon flowers and beautifully marked foliage, there's always room for one more.
