Pre-planted coir mats for ponds
These 5cm thick coir mats (or "pallets") are 2m by 1m, or 2m by 0.5m. They are pre-planted with our standard species mix, which includes 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.
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 them for domestic ponds etc. and what to expect when ordering:
The idea is that the coir acts as a growing medium for the plants. As you can see, the plants 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.
It's very important that the mats are in really good contact with the water - i.e. a significant part of them - 50% to 100% - are at or just below water level. 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 strongly 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 more appropriate for riverbank schemes as well as pond ledges.
Pricing
Please ask if you are interested in 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 £87.95 for a 2mX0.5m mat, including VAT and delivery by courier. For larger orders we have to quote for haulage, but the 2mX1m mats themselves are generally £57.50 each ex VAT and the 2mX0.5m are £39.00 ex VAT.
PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL NEED GOOD ACCESS TO DELIVER AS THIS PRODUCT COMES ON PALLETS.
Supplier : Gower Wildflowers Ltd.