For a number of years concern has been expressed by government agencies, conservation and consumer groups that some pond plants we sell, as an industry, are causing problems in the countryside. These have been given higher profile by a series of items in both local and national newspapers. It is impossible to argue that these problems do not exist. The extent of the problem may have been overstated, but that there is a problem cannot be doubted.

To help counter criticism OATA is producing a poster entitled "Keep your pond plants in the garden!!". This will be distributed before the start of the coldwater season during 2003. If pond plants never leave the garden, they cannot cause a problem in the wild. On the reverse of the poster, which can be produced at a size that can be handed out with each plant sold, is advice on how to compost any plants removed from a pond.

OATA also recommends that its members no longer sell:

• Crassula helmsii the New Zealand water stonecrop (previously known as Tillea recurva)
• Hydrocotyle ranunculoides (floating pennywort), an alternative being the native H. vulgaris (Correct identification of these species may become an issue if a member of the public asked for advice from Trading Standards. A simple guide to identification to the two species will accompany the poster.

Additionally we strongly recommend that members either find an alternative to, or stop selling Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrots feather); OATA is looking for suitable candidates. Significant sales of this species occur each year. However, equally clearly it has become a pest in the southwest of England and is spreading northwards. Members would be well advised to seek reassurances that any other species of the genus Myriophyllum that they might be offered are not frost tolerant, before offering them for sale as pond plants.

See also: "pet fish belong..."