shrubs, flowers I can plant around the duck pond

[Pawsnhoofs]

We build a really nice enclosure for our little call duck pair today. It is 30' x 10' and has one above ground small pool and one in-ground bigger pool. I would like to plant a few shrubs/flowers/dwarf trees in there to make it feel more natural for them. Does anyone have any suggestions? Or warning about which plants to stay away from. We are in Colorado, so I am somewhat "weather-limited"

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[TLWR]

I have hostas and day lilies around my duck pond as well as some elephant ear on the really shady side. All do well.
The biggest issue I have is the ducks sitting on them because I guess my lilies/hostas are comfy or stomping them as they are poking through in the spring. There is also some iris.

The mums never do make it very well as they are smooshed before they can grow big enough to withstand the smooshing. - both dogs and ducks are responsible for that though.
I have black eyed susans growing everywhere that are left alone and coneflower that seems to do fine with them around.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have hostas and day lilies around my duck pond as well as some elephant ear on the really shady side. All do well.
The biggest issue I have is the ducks sitting on them because I guess my lilies/hostas are comfy or stomping them as they are poking through in the spring. There is also some iris.

The mums never do make it very well as they are smooshed before they can grow big enough to withstand the smooshing. - both dogs and ducks are responsible for that though.
I have black eyed susans growing everywhere that are left alone and coneflower that seems to do fine with them around.

Elephant ear will burn the mouth if chewed, ask my brother. my hosta look like slugs ate them but actually it was my ducks.