Do you have Koi or goldfish in your ponds? Koi tend to eat your plants and root around in the pots making a mess. Do you live in an area that freezes? I use floating plants with my water lilies and perennials but they are prolific and need to be thinned and composted every few weeks. There are iris and other plants that are perennials that can be used and then a host of others that won't make it thru freezing temps. There are also many annual "land" plants that will thrive in the pond. I use sweet potato vine, mints, and impatiens. If you do some searches for pond plants for sale you can browse plants that meet your specific needs (planting zone, shape, habit etc.) that you might like to include in your pond.

response about my ponds. the pond has goldfish and we are in the buffalo ny area. I keep the pump running until it really gets cold. I then use a air pump to keep a opening for the gasses. I just want to add protection for the fish and still be able to watch the fish.

The plants in a water garden need to be tended just like the plants in the rest of the garden, especially if you want to be on Garden Walk. So I will take the 'plants that will not get out of hand' request with a grain of salt. Plus in Buffalo you will get five months minimum with no pond plants - depending.

These have been reliable perennial pond plants in my NC zone 6

Water Poppy - Hydrocleys Nymphoides

Louisiana and Yellow Flag iris

Pontederia cordata, Pickerelweed

Anacharis for below water

Papyrus, Water Hyacinth and Water Lettuce, a Pistia sp. would work as annuals.

Results may vary.

I have looked at the water lettuce and water hyacinth. thanks, sounds like you have lived in the buffalo n.y. area. last year was the first time we have missed the walk.

Parrot's