Dollars and SenseWe used 14 plants in Hardiness Zone 6 and spent about $960 just on the plants.
- The water lilies cost $10 each at a home improvement store.
- The least expensive plants were the hostas at $5 each.
- If you have a deep pond and need waders, they'll run from $40 to $100 at your sporting goods store.
Plant prices may vary by zone.
Not so Sensible Selections
Plants to avoid in a shady backyard.
- Roses: While roses would be indicative of the period in which that particular house was built, roses would not bloom nearly as well in the shade.
- Daylilies: The nursery tag on daylilies says that this will grow in the shade, but it doesn't mean that this will bloom in the shade. Don't count on a daylily to bring color into a shady landscape.
- Potting Soil: Avoid potting soil, garden soil or clay soil for your pond containers. They will likely create a muddy mess. Use special pond soil instead. You can also use muck soil.
