Floating plants just float on the surface of the pond and don't need to be rooted in a planter. A variety of these plants are important to the natural balance of your garden pond. Floating Plants such as Water Hyacinths and Water Lettuce provide shade and cover for your pond. Floating aquatic plant foliage should cover approximately 60% of the pond surface area in order to achieve a good balance. Pond plants will keep the water cool in the summer and help keep algae away.