How to Plant Around a Pond: Naturalistic Edge Design

Create a Seamless Pond-to-Garden Transition

By tucking plants into crevices and letting them spill naturally around the edges, your pond will appear as nature's own creation. Here's how to achieve this organic look.

Tools and Materials

• Gloves
• Compost
• Tropical ferns (Nephrolepis and Asplenium nidus)
• Hand trowel

Step 1: Amend the Soil

Add compost to build up the pond's edge, disguising the liner and securing plants firmly.

Step 2: Prepare the Plants

Remove ferns from containers, shake excess soil from roots. In tight spaces, wedge plants into crevices and between rocks, reducing each plant's footprint for a natural appearance.

Step 3: Plant the Ferns

Using a hand trowel, carefully dig holes (avoiding liner damage) and insert ferns.

Step 4: Secure and Water

Firm each plant in place, pulling compost around roots. Water thoroughly and keep newly transplanted ferns moist for several days.

Learn more about ferns.