Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Sourcing submerged vegetation

Quick question:

My mini-pond is 100% natural clay bottom and holds water incredibly well, but I'd really like to fast-track plant growth on the bottom of the pond around the perimeter within the first few feet of depth. The smooth clay bottom doesn't provide much cover and I'm finding an incredible number of fry clinging to the edge of the pond at the shallowest of depths to avoid predation. Basically, I want to plant some sort of grass that will grow on the bottom, under the water, that will provide great habitat.

I'm keen on species recommendation for sure, but my main question is where does the layman like myself source these plants? I know that given enough time, nature will provide and life finds a way, but I'd like to be proactive while we still have summer and fall warm weather and sun to help plants get established.

Thanks for the advice as always, my mentors from afar!

cheers,
Clayton

I bought water lily rhizonmes from petco.
They are sold for use in koi ponds.
Two weeks in, took the pic yesterday.

They had quite a selection of pond plants.

Thanks... I actually have 9 different species of water lily and one lotus growing (and mostly blooming) in the along the eastern edge. What I'm looking for is something that will help cover parts of the pond bottom and provide cover for fry to hide in... something like American pondweed or eelgrass (totally open to suggestions).

I don't know where to buy it, so really I'm asking for help finding a place to source starters. I live in East TX.

/c

I would get them here. They can be expensive from aquarium shops but you can get the dwarf plants that may not take over your pond. I do know the jungle val and star plant can do very well out side.

Cheers Don.

I used this place to obtain some eel grass. It arrived in good shape. I don't think it took, but I don't blame that on the supplier.