Backyard Oasis

A well-designed swimming pool area transforms a traditional backyard into a tropical haven. Along with paving and legally required fencing, plants are an integral part of the landscaping.

Dropping Leaves
can clog up the pool pump. Consider deciduous trees that drop foliage in autumn when you don’t tend to use the pool, and ideally use a pool cover during these months. Avoid jacaranda trees, which drop flowers or leaves most of the year.

Spikty Plants
like thorny succulents aren’t ideal if kids are likely to be using the pool. Plants such as nasturtium, roses and daisies attract bees and should also be avoided.

Salt Spray
from splashing and overflow can harm plants. Salt or chlorine residue can cause superficial damage to leaves and branches, while plants in the Dracaena and lily families are vulnerable to chlorine damage. Plant salt-tolerant shrubs such as yucca and periodically hose nearby plants to wash off salt and chlorine. LAP POOLS suit slow-growing shrubs along the length. Dwarf Japanese box only grows to 400mm and produces dark green foliage all year. Many succulents are low maintenance and can be scattered along the length for a similar effect.

Large Freestyle Pools
suit colourful black mondo grass or easy-growing elephantipes. Arrange furniture to take advantage of natural shading, or consider a small pergola or shade sail for resort style.

Poolside planting

Agapanthus has striking coloured flowers, blooming in summer when the pool is most in use.

Camellia is a screening plant that flowers in cool months and thrives in sheltered southern aspects.

Dietes like hot, dry conditions and suit narrow areas around a pool fence, flowering from spring to autumn.

Geraniums look stunning in pots or hanging baskets near the deck.

Hibiscus has flowers in colours from white to bright red. It can grow up to three metres for shade through spring and summer.

Lily Pilly is fast growing, colourful and can be pruned to keep foliage away from the pool.