I have a small planting section of my pond filled with pea gravel. It is contained within the pond and was built using the concept of a plant shelf but it's got a stacked rock wall that keeps the pea gravel contained. I've kept the plants in their pots when I put them in the gravel. I'd like to know if I can put the plants directly in the gravel without a pot. Do the plants have to have soil? How would I fertilize without causing problems with the pond water? None of them have really thrived this summer but this is my first season as a ponder. Thanks.

Kathy