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There are many communities in Washington County where ponds have been established in neighborhoods for the purpose of handling the storm run-off. They are a wonderful asset to the environment, enhance the beauty of individual home landscapes and increase property values.
To keep pond water free of algae and harmful chemicals and bacteria, the best solution is pondscaping. It starts with planting a 25 foot buffer strip -- a natural, unmowed area between the water's edge and a lawn or a hard surface. Plant roots in the buffer strip catch chemicals and fertilizer run-off, and prevent algae and chemicals from forming in the pond.
A buffer strip also helps discourage Canada geese because they prefer mowed lawns that go right up to the water's edge. A buffer strip helps divert them and their nitrogen-rich droppings elsewhere, preventing unwanted algae growth. Goose droppings may also contain parasites and bacteria that affect humans (although this is a rare possibility).
Plants that work well for a buffer strip include low maintenance native plants and wet- loving trees that normally grow with long roots. The roots help filter out pollution before it reaches the water. These plants also support wildlife, such as beneficial insects, pollinators and native birds. -Esther Filson, Master Gardener, Minnesota Tree Care Advisor
Native Plants to Consider for a Buffer Strip:
Botanical name, Common name, Exposure
Perennials
Agastache foeniculum, blue giant hyssop, sun/pt shade
Andropogon gerardii big bluestem sun, pt shade
Aquilegia canadensis columbine sun to shade
Asclepias incarnata marsh milkweed sun
Eupatorium maculatum Joe-Pye weed sun, pt shade
Geranium maculatum wild geranium pt shade, shade
Iris versicolor blue flag iris sun, pt shade
Monarda fistulosa wild bergamot sun, pt shade
Rudbeckia hirta black-eyed Susan sun, pt shade
Smilacina racemosa false Solomon's seal pt sun, shade
Solidago rigida stiff goldenrod sun, pt shade
Sorghastrum nutans Indian grass sun, pt shade
Thalictrum dasycarpum tall meadow rue sun, pt shade
Uvularia grandiflora large-flowered bellwort shade
Verbena hastata blue vervain sun
Zizia aurea golden alexander sun, pt shade
Shrubs
Cornus sericea red-osier dogwood sun to shade
Sambucus canadensis American elderberry sun, pt shade
Salix discolor pussy willow sun, pt shade
Trees
Prunus virginiana chokecherry sun to shade
Quercus alba white oak sun
Amelanchier alnifolia Serviceberry sun, pt shade
Sources for More Information
Sources for Native Plants