Planting for compliance —5 plant picks for your pool area.
Planting in your pool area can be pretty tricky. Not only do you need to consider compliance but also a plant that can withstand a good dose of pool water and endure some pretty harsh sunlight at times.
We could get pretty techy here, the Australian Standard for Swimming Pool Safety states that plants need to be a minimum of 500mm off the boundary and not within the 900mm climbable zone. But we can look after the nitty gritty and for the most part, boring stuff!
We had a quick chat to our mate Brandon from Site Design + Studios. Here’s his top 5 plants that are tough enough to handle the heat;
Raphiolepis Oriental Pearl
Image: Garden Life.
This dense evergreen shrub is compact, rounded and produces an abundance of white flowers. It grows in full sun to partial shade and is super resistant to salt spray (bring on the pool pony races).
It’s an excellent choice for around pools and once established (with a lot of early watering) can withstand dry conditions for long periods of time.
Source: https://www.alpinenurseries.com.au/plant-library/raphiolepis-indica-oriental-pearl/
Crassula Bluebird
Image: The Balcony Garden.
The Blue bird has a gorgeous grey/blue foliage with purple/pink margins. An extremely hardy plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors. With its unique texture and form it looks great planted against burgundy and green foliage backdrops.
A cousin of the classic Jade plant, the Blue Bird naturally grows into a ‘bun’ like form and requires next to no maintenance or water (winning).
Source: https://www.thebalconygarden.com.au/crassula-blue-bird-plant/
Buxus Japonica Balls (or even better – Box Balls)
Image: Secret Gardens, Botany.
Box balls add a fantastic sculptural element to a garden or pool area and thrives in our Australian climate. It requires little water once established and thrives in a wide range of soils and conditions but needs a sunny, open spot in your backyard.
French Lavender
Image: Pinterest.
If you’re obsessed with greying timber, then this grey-green lavender will be right up your alley. It’s suitable for our hot summers and hates dry feet, so try not to keep your soil too soggy.
Source: https://www.flowerpower.com.au/garden-advice/gardening/lavender/
Crassula Ovata Minima
Image: Pinterest.
Commonly referred to as the Jade plant, this versatile succulent is built tough. It can withstand intense dry summers with very little rainfall (or watering from time poor parents) and adaptable to varying light levels. For best growth and colour, make sure they get a few hours a day of light and avoid getting their soil too soggy – they might rot.
Source: https://www.oxleynursery.com.au/plant-profiles/cacti-succulents/jade-plant-crassula-ovata/
Get in touch with Matt or Kate today to discuss your planting needs.