His business is Aqua Scapes Water Gardens of Texas , a sponsor of the Austin Pond Society. Consider the mature size of the plants you install. Create a natural looking screen with taller plants behind the pond. Use a mixture of evergreen and perennial plants. Contrast foliage and flower colors and textures.
Variegated foliage can really brighten a shady area.
Install plants as close to the pond and stream as is practical. Use plants that spread to overhang the pond's bank to help lose the hard edge of the pond. Install plants that grow in or out of water and plant the bank with the same plant to lose the pond's edge. Flowering plants tend to attract butterflies and Hummingbirds. Plants that produce berries tend to attract birds and are more attractive after leaf drop.