What would you plant here?

[KellynchHall]

We are finishing off a small raised pond and have a very small area for plants. The area is exposed and gets full sun for most of the day so anything needs to be pretty hardy. Ideally it would cast shade over the pond. I was wondering about a small bamboo or grasses. It's in the middle of our patio so I'd like something with impact.

Is it a raised area within the pond (so flooded) or dry? Why do you want it to cast shade over the pond?

A willow tree?

Oh sorry see you said small area. 🙈

How about a Dierama, known as Angels fishing rods. Beautiful elegant plant that like to be in full sun.

It's not part of the pond at all @CatherinedeBourgh so given its location it should be free draining. If it casts shade it should help prevent the growth of algae in the pond.

@SheeplessAndCounting I wondered about a willow tree and I do have a very small one.

They are beautiful! Not sure if there are dwarf varieties?

Salix flamingo is a dwarf willow.

Really? I have two of these and they look nothing like willow trees!

Sky's the limit then! The moisture from the pond will add humidity to the air and loads of plants would like it.

What style is the rest of the garden?

All that Dierama looks perfect @Beebumble2 never heard of them but has the look I had in mind.

Glad I opened this thread - I've seen Dierama in a few gardens and wanted to know what it was. It's certainly lovely and would look good next to a pond, though wouldn't cast much shade.