Ponds

General maintenance

Top up ponds and water features if necessary - a spray attachment on the hose will aerate the water, and help the fish.

Any pumps on water features should be left on during sultry nights, as oxygen levels are lower in such conditions.

The fully developed larvae of damselflies and dragonflies emerge from the water by climbing up plant stems where they shed their skins to transform into the flying adults. Add upright marginals such as water iris if your pond lacks suitable plants.

Troubleshooting

Remove dead foliage and blooms from waterlilies and other aquatic plants.  Continue to skim blanket and floating weeds.

Cover ponds with nets or safety grills in gardens where young children play. These have the additional advantage of preventing leaves falling into the pond.

Gardeners' calendar

Find out what to do this month with our gardeners' calendar

Advice from the RHS

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.