Riparian

First off, what is riparian planting? Well riparian really can't  just be described as one thing, it's many different things-plants, trees, any other shrubs, bushes, coming together to make a wetland healthier.

What is riparian's  main purpose:

  • To filter runoff and sediments
  • Natural sponging to decrease surface flooding
  • Bank and wetland perimeter stabilisation
  • Water shading to cool water reducing algae blooms, water shading also helps to better suit different freshwater species to better support a bigger variety of life.

 

In my own pond at home I planted out several areas around the wetland with things like kahikatea trees further downstream in the swampy area and Maanuka in and around the bank edges. I also planted a few Carex Secta amongst the Maanuka. Here are some photos of me doing so:

 

 

On the far side of the pond you can see a mature stand of Maanuka.

Some ideal riparian plants, trees, shrubs, and bushes to help know how start planting out a waterway: