There are a huge variety of plants to choose from for the garden pond nowadays, coming in practically every shape and size you could ever want. When buying try to think about the overall shape and form you wish to create in and around the water. Ideally have tall marginal plants around the back and sides, with perhaps a bog garden area for amphibians and other wildlife.
There are lots of diseases that may affect pond fish. The key with any disease outbreak is correct and early diagnosis and the swift administration of the appropriate remedy. Even just a day or two of an undiagnosed outbreak can be disastrous, particularly with the more virulent strains of whitespot seen in recent years.
Purchasing your first fish is a very exciting time after all the hard work of building your new garden pond, but there are a few things you need to bear in mind. Try to buy from local aquatic outlets, this will minimize the fishes transport time and the water quality they are used to will be very similar or the same as yours. Look for alert fish that are lively with intact, erect fins and clear eyes.
