If you have a pond with floating plants you probably already know that the plants tend to move around with the water flow and often get stuck in skimmers, corners or hung up in other stationary plants in the pond.  For example, in our pond we have water lilies in the back portion as well as several potted plants on the edges.  The floating water lettuce and water hyacinth plants are pushed around the pond from the movement made by the fountain and spitter and almost always end up tangled in the lilies or stuck in a corner, or worse yet, sucked into the skimmer.  We wanted our floating plants to stay toward the front of the pond where they get more sunlight and are away from the lilies, but didn't want an eyesore for a barrier.

Our solution - fishing line.  It's cheap, durable and practically invisible.  As algae and other water elements adhere to the fishing line it begins to blend in perfectly with the water. The fishing line sits just under the water line so it is high enough that any fish in the pond won't be bothered by it.

To make a fishing line barrier, follow these four easy steps.

1. Determine the area of the pond that you would like to use for your floating plants.  Take into consideration water flow movement and how much sun light gets to that area.
2. Unreel the fishing line so that it reaches from one end of the pond to the other.  Make sure to leave an extra foot or two of line at both ends of the line before cutting it to size.
3. Wrap the fishing line around a rock or other decorative piece that can be placed at the waters edge or at the top of the water line.  Repeat this step on the other side of the pond to complete your barrier.
4. Move your floating plants into the barrier area where they will now remain in place.

Occasionally the plants may make it out of the barrier due to a windy day or a low spot in the fishing line, however it doesn't happen often and still beats wallowing around your pond to chase plants!