Question
Hi Laura,

Can you make any suggestions for ground cover, small schrubs, and trees that work well around a swimming pool?  

We are in the process of constructing a pool, and in order to so we had to cut down 3 shade trees.  (1 oak, 1 giant Crape Myrtle, 1 Bradford pear). Right now, there is no shade around the pool.  We would like a shade tree or two that will not drop a lot of leaves or blooms that might damage the pool.  We would also like to add ground cover near the edge of the flagstone decking to keep dirt down.  

If possible, we would like to stay away from palms.  (the beachy look)  Tropical is okay, just not dessert palm.  We have medium size, traditional yard.

Any suggestions you might offer are greatly appreciated.    


Thank you in advance,

Courtney


Answer
Courtney,
We just got back from the Gulf Coast(before Hurricane Dennis hit)and they had some beautiful silver foliage plants they used as a ground cover. They are in the Artemesia family of plants,which I have also used extensively where I live.They are good,low maintenance,drought resistant plants and most are perennial.I will give you some sources to look at them and find these and other groundcovers for your area,which I don't think you mentioned.

Also,we saw Crape Myrtle trees in full bloom and they were really beautiful trees.They are just now blooming in Kentucky where I live. These do make good shade trees but the only thing messy about them may be the blossoms if the wind blows them real hard. If you trim them after the blossoms are spent they are relatively care free. The dark rose and pink colors are spectacular in any landscape.

Also,I know you aren't after a tropical look but the little bushy Sago Palms are really very classy looking.We saw millions down in Alabama.They were used like shrubbery,not trees.They don't get tall like Palm trees.They do have a nice form and movement in the landscape and I would have got some myself if we had had room in the trunk.LOL! They also look great in large pottery,especially in pairs flanking a doorway or pathway or just sitting among the landscape.

Think about rockery as a groundcover too. They add a lot to the landscape,especially if you want a clean looking one around the pool area.Use larger ones as you get closer to the pool,because little pebbles will scatter quite easily and might get into the pool and clog up the filters.

I have had numerous inquiries about landscaping around pools and do have some illustrations if you would like to see a few. You may give me your email address if you would like me to email you some.My email address is: [email protected]
I have many reference books that I look over for AllExperts questioners and have a scanner that I use for photos in my books.Sometimes it helps just to see a few features of what you are thinking about in your particular situation.There is always a solution in gardening and landscaping,no matter what situation!
Here are some sources for you to go to on the internet:

www.perennials.com,
Wayside Gardens,White Flower Farm,Walters Perennials,Jackson&Perkins,www.ColorChoicePlants.com,
www.baileynursery.com,www.carolinanurseries.com(for warmer climates),www.imperialnurseries.com,www.monrovia.com,www.willowaynurseries.com.