How high above water level do you need the water to wick? If the pots (1-2 gallon) will be set in water, then yes it will definitely wick into the entire container. Maybe the top inch will be dry due to evaporation, but that's it.

Bark wicks reasonably well actually (in my experience). Where it falls short as a wick is it's particle size (varies depending on how composted it is). The larger the particle size the less surface area there is for adhesion (wicking) to work and the more area there is for air to evaporate the moisture.

Still, a pot set in water will wick *at least* a foot with maybe the top inch or less being dry in some climates due to evaporation getting rid of the water faster than it can wick.

With containers set into a pond though I wouldn't worry about it. It will work out.

These won't be tall pots. I'll use a mix of bulb pans which are pretty shallow and the green pots that come with 'hanging baskets'. My bark mix is on the small side and I could run a bit through the shredder again if I needed to break it up more......or just insert some wicks from the top down. Part of the fun is playing with it and finding what works. Thanks for the feedback.
Will

If you are planning to do what I think (from reading your posts) you want to do, you are not going to have any problems getting your plants enough water. The bark will wick plenty well for your purposes. Your marginal plants should be very happy.