Perfect Pool Landscaping

Needless to say, plants are a major factor in your pool landscaping design. While there aren’t really any specific “swimming pool plants” per se, there are some basic requirements a tree, shrub, flower or any other plant should meet before you use it in your design.

Choose Pool-Friendly Plants

Some plants, no matter how attractive or useful they are, just shouldn’t be used around a pool. If you’re not used to planning pool landscaping, it can be hard to image all the problems a plant can cause in the pool area, so choose each plant with care. Here are some things to consider:

• Will it drop leaves, needles, petals, seeds or berries into the pool or all over the deck?
• Will the root system pose a treat to underground elements of the pool?
• Does it attract bees or other insects you don’t want around while you’re in swimwear?
• Does it produce thorns, stickers, or sharp leaves that could sting bare sting?
• Does it produce any slick substances that could get onto the deck or pool steps?

Chose Plants that Fit Your Garden’s Theme

Whether your have a meandering English perennial garden or a sparse Zen-style rock garden, your pool landscaping design should blend in with the landscape that’s already there. Don’t really have a particular “theme”? Then choose plants that reflect the shapes and colors of the plants already in your yard. This adds continuity and a more finished look to the landscape.

For instance, if you have a container of daisies by your front door, put another in the seating area near your pool. Keep in mind that you can do this in reverse, too. Just choose which plants you want for your pool area, then plant some of the same here and there around your yard.

Choose Plants that do a Job

Of course, not all the plants around your pool have to serve a purpose, but you’ll probably want to choose a few that create shade, break up chilly breezes or provide privacy. A short palm, like the Allogoptera arenaria, can provide shade and add a tropical look. Ornamental grasses create a lush, breezy feeling and make a great way to high landscape lighting fixtures.

Hibiscus, bamboo, and bridal wreath spirea are all good choices for attractive “living fences” and wind breaks. If you plan on installing a wood or chain link fence, you might want to train a climbing vine like clematis, passiflora, or honeysuckle on it to soften the look.

Choosing plants for around a swimming pool area does take some forethought, but once you understand what makes a tree, shrub, flower, or vine right for your pool area, you’ll see you actually have quite a few choices.