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So you have built your pond, now you need to hide that ugly liner or edging with plants. But what to choose? There are now so many plants available the choice can be overwhelming. And how deep should they be planted in the water? Misleading labels are phrased in such a way even an expert is unclear as to whether the crown of the plant should be 6 below or above the water level. No longer need these conundrums exist. Experienced aquatic plant grower, Bernard Sleeman, explains all in his book Marginal Plants. Not oxygenators or deep-water aquatics such as water-lilies but those plants that will give year-round interest to a pond and help to disguise the surrounding hard-landscaping. In clear, easy to understand language, Bernard explains the basics of pond planting, the pond's ecology and the important of plant to fish ratio. For marginals are not just decorative but functional, acting as filters to keep the pond's balance stable and thus avoiding pea-soupers, blanket weed and fish diseases. Planting, cultivation and propagation are clearly described accompanied by diagrams, flow charts and colour photographs. An A-Z directory of happy plants gives concise details of over 70 species of marginal plants - some borrowed from the herbaceous borders, others naturally found in the wild - all now cultivated as marginal plants for the pond. Season of interest is of particular note thus ensuring an almost year-round display in the pond: spiky irises, sprawling veronicas, striking grasses and dramatic lysichitons. So before spending too much money on the wrong plants, consult this excellent guide and avoid all those easily made, disheartening mistakes that can occur in a new water feature.

Maintaining the balance - a healthy pond; plant life and pond ecology; water and soil requirements; pests and diseases; propagation; adding interest - happy plants.