Hi,

I have two areas where I'd really like to add more plant cover. I've
tried to do this the last two summers but the plant cover has either
been inadequate for what I want or it has taken until the end of
summer to grow out. The two areas I need the cover in have their own
difficulties. The pond is in full sun, but the heat isn't a problem
for the fish due to the waterfalls and depth of the water.

Area #1 - The stream. This area is fed by a reasonably fast moving
waterfall, is about 3 feet wide and 18 feet long and ranges from about
a foot deep to 0" on either end where the stream flows down rocks to
the main pond area.

Difficulties: The water is moving, not in a "class 4 rapids" kind of
way, but enough that floating plants will not stay put. Unanchored
floating plants will end up riding down the waterfalls into the other
pond section. So, I need something anchored that can deal with moving
water. Also, there are critters (mainly frogs) in this area, so I
don't want to completely cover the stream, just maybe 60-70 % of it.

Area #2 - The main pond area. This area is about 25' x 20' and drops
to 6 feet deep in the middle, with a 2' shelf around it at about a
foot or so deep.

Difficulties: There are 2 skimmers in this area, and two waterfalls
feeding it. Water flow is such that free floating plants will end up
in the skimmers. Due to the 6' deep center anchoring plants in the
center is problematic. There are several lillies in this area that
should grow wildly, but they don't cover enough area on their own and
they take a while to really spread. I'm looking for 60% coverage. More
is fine, as I'd just clear if I needed to. I looked at floating plant
baskets, but putting a large lilly in one of those concerned me
because the lillies weigh so much, and if the basket went upside down,
all of that would end up down by my bottom drain. More debris, I don't
want. : )

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

Dave