A plant I think would be nice for your needs would be the Vals, Corkscrew (Vallisneria americana) http://www.aquariumplants.com/SearchResu...tion=PRODSEARCH

It grows about 6 inches high and fills in nicely like yard grass. This is my second year with it and it is spreading well here in my east central Indiana pond.

I also like the bog type plants of yellow and blue irises.