Are there any fish in the pond? It could be the moorhens if it's not in a very big pond? I work at a watergarden centre and on our large display pond we've got some nesting, either them or the ducks have been nibbling the waterlilies (there's a lot of lily pads so you can't always tell)

I have had them in my garden for many years and that is a first for me. Have no idea of what's doing it though it could be some nocturnal animal looking for frogs and stumbling around your plant using it for a fishing pier. You can plant these anywhere in the garden and they self seed poping up here and there everywhere the soil is moist, it doesnt have to be wet or boggy.

It's been a long time since I logged on!!! SOrry nt to thank those who answered my previous query. I have given up on the water hyacinths now. However I do have another question. I have a Giant Redwood that is growing extremely well. It is now up at about 30ft, but it has several lower branches close to the ground. Is it a good idea to cut those off? If so, about what height should the branches start? I have seen them in the Mount Ranier national park and you can walk right under them.