Aquatic plants in the pond help with filtration and provide shade and habitat for fish and other beneificial creatures. More importantly they are gorgeous to look at and will flower at various times throughout the year. Favorite pond plants for smaller water gardens include hardy water lilies, water hyacinth, arrow heads, forget-me-nots, duck weed and elodea. In larger clay bottom ponds indigenous marginals and water plants can be planted. Local garden centers usually have an aquatic plant section.