The diverse range of plants offered by the nursery is broken down into four main types. Oxygenators include the native, free-floating hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), mare’s tale (Hippuris vulgaris) and water shamrock (Marsilea quadrifolia). Then there are the marginals (any type of aquatic plant that sits within the margin of the pond), such as dainty Baldellia ranunculoides, or the larger silverstriped sweet flag (Acorus calamus ‘Argenteostriatus’). Plants for deeper water include water lilies, such as the native nymphoides, which are good at providing habitats for wildlife. Finally, there are floating plants, such as white-flowered frogbit (Hydrocharis morsusranae) or moss-like Salvinia natans.

It’s not just for leaf shape or flower colour that people want aquatics, as the wildlife benefits of any water body are substantial. Frogs, newts, dragonflies and damselflies, water boatmen and pond-skaters all contribute to the health of a pond’s ecosystem and the broader health of the garden. “Rafting plants that grow from the soil but spread over into the water are crucial for wildlife as they allow things to move from the bank into and out of the water,” says Dawn, adding that if you want a wildlife pond, don’t have fish as they eat so much pond life.