Certainly both plants are available via online mail order at fairly low cost, but of course it is wonderful if one can get a free offset or cutting. If another pondkeeper is nearby to you, then shipping and packing could be avoided.
Freshwater Eelgrasses (Vallisneria) are perennial, aquatic plants in the Frog-bit Family (Hydrocharitaceae). There are approximately 14 species that occur widely on parts of all continents, except Antarctica, and also on many oceanic islands. However only one species, V. americana, is native to the New World. A number of similar species are grown for the aquaria and ponds. Some will develop red leaves in high light conditions, such as V. gigantea 'Rubra'.
Water-hyssops (Bacopa) are annual or perennial herbs, in the Plantain Family (Plantaginaceae), native to aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. There are an estimated 57 spp. worldwide, with six native to North America. One of these is Blue Water-hyssop (Bacopa caroliniana) which is widely cultivated as a plant for both aquaria and ponds.
