Charlie, I don't know your planting zone, but daylilies do really good around a pond, some water iris do very good, (you have to water them frequently), ornamental grass, big or small, I have small grass, small shrubs do fine, I have a banana plant in a pot next to my pond, I also have canna, (they live over the winter where I live), as for vines, is the fence a wood fence? If so, hydrangea that climbs will grow on wood easily, some jasmines will grow on wood, any vine that has "feet", oh, and creeping jenny will live in and outside of your pond if kept moist. I have it in and out of my pond. Hope this helps.

Jacquie, I never do anything to my plants before planting them and putting in my ponds. I even dig up plants from the wild and put them in my ponds. I have ponding for more than 20 years and have never had any problems. Newbees usually worry about this, but I don't think it is really as big a problems as a lot of people think?

I'll echo what Cliff&Joann and Pashta have said and add that you need to also consider sun vs shade. If your pond is in full sun all day, you'll need plants that can handle that exposure, especially in the rocky areas that will get especially hot. The advice to plant close together is excellent - more plants will keep the soil cooler and help hold in moisture. Also think of planting in masses - plants make a bigger statement when you have a number of them planted together as opposed to a few here and there. You have a lot of area to cover, so you have lots of room to be creative. Annuals are wonderful for adding color to your garden all summer long. Most perennials will bloom for a few weeks and then are done for the season. If you incorporate annuals you're guaranteed lots of color, too. I love to plant impatiens right in my waterfall - tuck them between the rocks in the sides of your pond, roots in the water, and they will grow like crazy. Normally impatiens need lots of water and prefer the shade, but if you plant them IN the water, they are easy care plants and will thrive in any sun conditions. I would recommend you scout out the locally owned garden centers. Find someone who loves to talk plants and pick their brains. Don't worry about what's a "pond plant" - most plants sold as pond plants are just plain old plants which will double and triple in price if you buy them at the pond store.

I would be happy to send you a BIG flat rate Priority box stuffed full of Minature Rosette Water Hyacinths and a bit of Parrots Feather, Variegated Water Celery and Primrose Creeper for postage.