Wildlife pond planting - when and what?

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I've made a (hopefully) wildlife pond during lockdown + bridge, when's best to put a few plants in? I presume it's too late this year now? Also any tips on covering the liner would be much appreciated. As you can see in this photo I initially tried large pieces of bark, which looked ok but I think contributed to the water colour resembling builders tea. 

Fairygirl

You can put plants in at any time. Many are being sold bare root just now too. 
The bark will break down unfortunately, so you'll be fishing bits out on a regular basis 
You can plant into that bit of liner on the right, or lay some turf or flattish rocks, or gravel  along it, depending on the look you want. A mix of those works too. I have something similar. 
If you plant into it [best solution] just pick things that suit the aspect. If you take a look at suppliers like Puddleplants,  https://www.puddleplants.co.uk/   you'll see plenty of choices.
You can also put standard garden plants in, depending on what's underneath. Carexes are good, as they're mostly evergreen, and will hang over the edges, and low growing plants like Ajuga or some Saxifrages are great for quick coverage. Both will take shade - it looks quite a shady spot. 

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Thanks for such a rapid response Fairygirl! The bark has gone elsewhere  When you say 'plant into' do you mean cut holes into the liner? Will this not perhaps risk any such cuts perhaps 'spreading' ? Turf, excellent idea! I shall peruse Puddleplants thanks. It's in the semi shade of an apple tree so your suggestions are great thanks again.

Fairygirl

You can make a cut from the outer edge, maybe about half way across. Plant into it, and just bring the liner back either side of the plant, and secure with some soil or gravel. If the liner is a decent quality, you shouldn't have a problem. Alternatively, just fold the liner under a little, so that you only have a few inches of it at the pond edge, and plant right beside it. You can secure the liner there with gravel or bigger stones etc, even a couple of pegs, and the plants will cover it, especially if you use some evergreen bits and pieces. Just pick plants which will have enough spread. That Brunnera on the right for instance, would be useful   
I should have said - if you choose Carexes, make sure to avoid C.pendula, which is the very invasive one. You'll have nothing but that in your garden if you do!
I have Evergold, which is a nice bright variegated one - well behaved and ideal as an edging. There are quite a few like that, and you can pick them up in GCs and all sorts of places. 

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MANY thanks again!

Fairygirl

There are lots of threads about ponds of all kinds on the forum too. If you use the search facility at the top of the page, you'll get plenty of photos etc 

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Excellent, thanks

Fairygirl

Enjoy 

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thanks!