The unexpected joy of growing Hornwort

I planted Hornwort without expecting much and it's become one of the most satisfying things in my garden. extraordinary flower forms rising above or floating on the water is something I couldn't have predicted from looking at it in a nursery. You only understand it once the plant is established and performing.

I keep it in a formal ornamental pond with clear water and reflections which is perfect for it. planting in aquatic baskets with specialist pond compost was the thing I got lucky getting right early. foliage die-back and pond tidying in autumn stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw it. root-eating by water lily aphids or china mark moth is a real thing — just check regularly and deal with it quickly.