How long to let a pond settle before introducing wildlife?

[Victoria26]

I've decided I want a wee wildlife pond at my lottie. I have a really thick plastic liner for it and I'd like to get some oxegenating plants.

I'm planning to build a rockery and wildflower garden around it. However I would like to know how long I'd have to have the plants in before introducing frogspawn and such??

Also I really dont want the whole surface to be covered by vegetation so does anyone have any ideas on good plants that will oxegenate the water and look decent. Most peoples ponds on the lottie look like an algae and scum soup

Thanks guys! Can't wait to get started!! The wait is killing me!

[selfraising]

Hi there!

This link might help you How to make a wildlife pond

[Victoria26]

great site - been reading up about it all this morning. There are some beautiful water/bog plants around.

[tamsin]

You don't need to introduce wildlife it will turn up on it's own Your not meant to move frogspawn between ponds as it also spreads disease. It's probably a bit late this year but you should get some next year.

[Victoria26]

The site self raising has featured is really good! Its told me everything I needed to know to start it up.

If anyone has any ideas of some beautiful aquatic flowers I'd be very happy to take any advice!

[burnie]

Try your local pet shop or garden centre for your plants.I'd advise against canadian"oxygenator"pondweed as it's very invasive as are the floating water soldiers.Newts like something like millfoil or hornwort as it's filamentous leaves are ideal for them to stick their eggs to.Water mint is a nice plant and you can eat it!