yes, something should be started on the flat hardpan. If not, during periods of hard rain, it might wash some of the clay into the pond. I'd get rye started there asap (if you have enough moisture), then get a mixture of warm and cool season grass going.

Plants around the pond - it all depends if your water level will vary much. If not, then any marginals will do. Sweet Flag, Arrowhead, Pickrelweed, Blue Iris, Rushes, Sedges, etc. Those will work with depth variances of 18" or so.

I have no idea why one pic worked and the others didn't.

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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).