Lakes and ponds are a lively habitat for vegetation and wild life. By adding a containerized lake garden to your backyard, you can enjoy a small version of a diverse habitat even if your home isn't lakeside.
Barney Webster from Nelumbo Water Gardens shares his expertise on water plants, their environments and information on how to get started on your own lake container garden.

Lakes and ponds are differentiated according to their depth; Lakes are larger and deeper, ponds are smaller and shallower. Lakes have marginal plants growing near the waters edge where it is shallow, while the center of lakes are too deep for plant growth. Ponds are often shallow enough for vegetation to grow throughout

When planting in natural habitats, be sure to be very conscious of using native plants and not introducing anything that might be invasive into the ecosystem. Find information about what is beneficial, and what to avoid from local resources that deal in aquatic plants.
Containerized gardens are much more freeing than planting in lakes or ponds. You can go tropical or native depending on your location and your preference.

Here are some plants that Barney suggests for your lake container:

Tropical Water Lilies
Papyrus
Canna
Pickerel rush
Water hyacinths

Special Thanks:
Barney Webster
Nelumbo Water Gardens
North Kingstown, RI 02852
(401) 294-3717
Cell: 401-741-8525