So Koi-Lo strongly recommends against planting straight into gravel/soil
because the roots become matted and the whole substrate needs to be taken up
when doing the plant maintenance; whilst Sean McKinney says it is not a
problem (but doesn't elaborate on why it is not a problem).

Any other views on the basket/earth issue for wildlife ponds? At the moment
I am leaning to planting in gravel because a new 16 sq m pond will need a
lot of baskets (?) and because baskets might make the planting not look too
formal (?). Davy

Seems to me... in your situation, matting might be a good thing. It would
keep the shelf area firm if there are any sort of 4 footed wildlife you are
trying to attract. They'd knock over baskets. ~ jan www.jjspond.us
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Also ponding troll free at:
http://groups.google.com/group/The-Freshwater-Aquarium