If you have a pond in your backyard, you may be wondering how to keep your plants healthy during the winter months.

In parts of Australia, winter weather can see garden ponds freezing over when temperatures plumet. With the right preparation and care, you can help your pond plants survive the cold and emerge healthy and vibrant when spring arrives.

Learn how to over winter your pond plants with these helpful tips.

 

Clean and Trim Your Pond Plants.

Before winter sets in, it’s important to clean and trim your pond plants to ensure they are healthy and ready for the colder months. Unlike terrestrial plants where dead leaves and branches can protect and insulate the plant from frost damage, in water gardens, any dead branches or leaves will turn to sludge over winter in your pond and they should be removed. Remove any dead or dying leaves, flowers, or stems, as these can attract pests and diseases that can harm your plants.

Trim back any overgrown or tangled foliage to prevent it from becoming damaged by ice or snow. Use a clean pair of secaturs or pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant.

 

Choose Frost Hardy Pond Plants

When preparing your pond plants for winter, it’s important to choose plants that are frost hardy and can withstand the colder temperatures.

Some popular frost hardy pond plants include Creeping Jenny, Golden Sweet flag (Acorus gramineus)  If your pond design allows, we recommend planting marginal clumps of Golden Sweet Flag to provide some added protection from frost to your pond. These plants have adapted to survive in colder climates and will be able to withstand the winter months without much extra care.

Be sure to research the specific needs of each plant and provide any necessary winter protection, such as covering with netting or moving to a deeper part of the pond.

 

Protect Hardy Plants with Netting or Floating Covers.

One way to protect your pond plants during the winter months is to cover them

with netting or floating covers. This will help prevent them from being damaged by harsh winds or heavy snowfall. Netting can also help keep leaves and debris out of the pond, which can help prevent algae growth and keep the water clean.

 

A pond pump and small water fountain or feature will help to keep the water in your pond moving and will provide some protection when it comes to freezing. Learn more about this in our blog - Preventing Your Pond from Freezing Over: A Step-by-Step Guide !

Be sure to secure the netting or cover tightly to prevent it from blowing away in strong winds.

 

Add Oxygenating Plants to Keep Water Healthy.

 

During the winter months, it's important to maintain the health of your pond water. One way to do this is by adding oxygenating plants to your pond. These plants release oxygen into the water, which can help keep fish and other aquatic life healthy.

 

They also absorb excess nutrients, which can help prevent algae growth. Some popular oxygenating plants include Upright Water Milfoil, and Water Primrose.

Be sure to research which plants are best suited for your specific pond and climate.

 

Monitor Your Plants Throughout the Winter.

 

Once you have prepared your pond plants for winter, it's important to continue monitoring them throughout the season. Check on them periodically to make sure they are still healthy and thriving. If you notice any signs of damage or disease, take action immediately to prevent further harm.

With proper care and attention, your pond plants will be ready to flourish come springtime.

 

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