Coir mats for ponds
These 5cm thick coir mats (or "pallets") are 2m by 1m, or 2m by 0.5m. We offer them as preplanted in bigger numbers, or the 2mX0.5m as unplanted (see below). We use a standard species mix, which we choose from Carex acutiformis (Lesser Pond Sedge), Juncus effusus (Soft Rush), Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife), Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Flag Iris), Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold), Myosotis scorpioides (Water Forget Me Not), Ranunculus flammula (Lesser Spearwort), Alisma plantago-aquatica (Water Plantain) and Mentha aquatica (Water mint). This mix may be subject to change depending on plant stock and availability, although all the plants in all our mats are native to the UK and widespread. The standard mix is the one shown in the established mat pictured, and we've found from experience it's one that works well. The mats are planted at 10 plants per square metre.
The coir is imported from Sri Lanka as highly compressed fibre, which reduces shipping volumes by 80%. It's a sustainably and organically produced waste product of coconut production. The coir fibre take 5 to 10 years to rot down, so they're a perfect growing medium for pond plants. It's inert and pH neutral.
The idea is that the coir acts as a growing medium for the plants, and expand as the plants grow. As you can see, the plants on the preplanted mats are well established when delivered. All the plants are grown at a British nursery from guaranteed native seed. We've learnt from experience that these marginals do well growing in coir, without dominating.
We've written a blog about them so that you can see what they look like in action. Please also see our video guide on how to use the preplanted mats for domestic ponds etc. and what to expect when ordering.
If you're using the mats on a butyl liner it's very important that the mats are in really good contact with the water - i.e. a significant part of them - 70% to 100% - are at or just below water level. As you can see from the photos this is much less important if you're laying them on top of soil, for obvious reasons - the plants can root down into the bank. If they are in deeper water you may find the bottom edge needs weighing down with stones. If you experience several weeks without rain do keep an eye on them and water if necessary.
The product was originally designed for large scale bio-engineering projects, but works just as well for domestic ponds. The mats need to be in contact with water but are designed to sit on a pond or river bank, covering a butyl liner, for example. They can offer a brilliant solution to planting a lined pond, but do also make sure the liner is good quality. If your pond is under around 12m circumference we don't recommend using these mats all the way around it as water travels up through them.
If you are thinking of using coir as a bio-engineering solution for a river we recommend talking to a consultant, who we would be happy to put you in touch with. We also supply 3m long coir rolls, which are generally more appropriate for riverbank schemes.
Pricing and Product Detail
We can only currently accept orders of a minimum of 20 preplanted mats, BUT we also offer unplanted individual 2mX0.5m mats and accompanying plug plants for you to plant. These come with an instruction leaflet and are what we sell online here. PLEASE NOTE that these plants are much smaller than the established plants in the preplanted mats shown in the photos, so we supply 20 per mat:
Please ask if you are interested in over 20 preplanted coir mats as prices will vary according volumes ordered, mix, and your location. Let us know the number of linear metres you would like and the delivery postcode. I'm afraid we can't deliver to Northern Ireland.
Prices for the mats and rolls start from £65 for an unplanted 2mX0.5m mat with plants, including VAT and delivery by courier. For larger orders we have to quote for haulage, but the 2mX1m mats themselves are £61.25 each ex VAT and the 2mX0.5m are £39.38 ex VAT.
Supplier : Gower Wildflowers Ltd.