What plants can tolerate being submerged for maybe months but also be okay with lower water levels?

At its current moderate level my pond has an approximately two feet wide, almost level 'path' around its perimeter. This is currently covered with leaves but on starting to clear it today there's of course mud underneath.

For those times (like now) when the pond isn't at its maximum height the muddy 'path' looks pretty uninspiring so I'd like to make it more presentable. Plants would be preferable but the issue is as the title of this thread - what plants would tolerate being at least partly underwater if/when the pond is at its maximum height for maybe months on end, but are also okay (and look good) when the water level is lower?

Also, not essential, but I'd prefer it if they could be walked on too.

Is there any kind of grass perhaps which would be suitable?

I've also thought of rocks or even decorative gravel. That will be my last resort.

I don't want to spend a fortune though.

 

You probably want marginal plants that grow on the edge of a pond or bog plants, but they would have to have roots in the water.

 

Have a look at this:
Homepage - Lincolnshire Pond Plants
Guidance as to which zone suits them, some submerged 600mm, others 150mm and bog plants above tideline
I have used this company and they delivered.
In my experience, a few cover a lot of space; it is their nature to be ' invasive'*.I would not walk upon them; always damp and slippery!, and crushable.
* a single water forget me not in a 140mm pot now covers an area 3mx0.5mand extends into/across 300mm of water in a single season. I have planted in pots/baskets which sit upon the shelf and are wired to a s/s cable across the pond to prevent being dislodged into the depths.
You should be able to select something to suit , many are indigenous British, therefore suitable for your wildlife.

 

Thanks both of you the great ideas.

 

Your welcome

 

Acorus gramineus would be ideal.

 

Thanks