Swimming pools are a major feature in a garden. But unless they are integrated with the use of sympathetic hard-landscaping and complementary planting, they can be visually dominant and present a bleak winter scene. Decking or paving for clean, easy access, pergolas or overhead foliage for shade, and seating are all important considerations. Dramatic foliage and flamboyant flowers are the perfect poolside partners but there are a few perils to watch out for.

CANOPY

An attractive canopy is vital in a pool garden. It provides height, which enhances the overall planting, as well as welcome poolside shade. But careful selection and placement is paramount. The canopy of mature trees must be well clear of the pool to prevent shadows cooling the water and debris going in the water. Many trees can be kept in check with judicious pruning. Plant those with aggressive root systems far away from pool walls. Alternatively, plant trees in large containers. Palms offer the perfect solution, especially in narrow garden borders. They provide height without width, allow dense under-planting, create very little litter and add a tropical flavour.

SUB-CANOPY

This should consist of shrubby foliage and flowering plants of varying heights, forms and textures. Select key varieties and plant these in groups, repeating the groupings rhythmically throughout the garden to provide uniformity and cohesion. Use bold or spiky foliage as accent plants and select summer-flowering plants where possible. Tall shrubs (or climbers in narrow areas) can create shelter and privacy, hiding pool equipment and fencing.

GROUND COVER

These are often overlooked in garden design, but they are actually extremely important! Thick ground cover suppresses weeds and adds the finishing touch to a garden. In a poolside garden, it helps prevent soil washing onto paths and into the pool. Garden areas running alongside a pool should either slope away from the water or be at a slightly lower level to prevent overhanging plants and debris. Lastly, select plants that don’t produce masses of small flowers (which end up in the pool) or attract bees.

CHECKLIST

Slope ground away from the pool and finish garden beds at a lower level to prevent run -off of dirt and debris into the pool.

Don’t place bee-attracting plants close to the pool.

Install drainage to prevent any pool overspill running into planted areas.

Avoid fruiting and thorny plants or any that exude sticky substances.

Large or sword-leafed plants are easier to clean up after than those with small leaves.

Dark-foliaged plants alleviate glare.

Where space is limited, plant large containers to adorn pool areas.

Strong focal points are often placed around swimming pools. These have a twofold effect – they complement the pool and surrounding planting, as well as reducing the dominance of the pool itself. A focal point can be as grand and contrived as a waterfall cascading into the pool or as simple and understated as a stately urn or bench seat set in a vine-clad wall recess at one end of the pool. Striking feature plants in large containers can be used to help dispel the harsh architectural lines of hard landscaping or to house shade trees where garden space is limited. Most importantly, a swimming pool must be tied into its surrounding landscape by way of slip-proof paving or decking. Whatever you do, don’t plant lawn right beside your pool – unless you prefer cleaning the pool to swimming in it!

FOLIAGE:

Agave (cold-hardy if kept dry in cold climates)

Alocasia (ligularia)

Astelia ‘Silver Spear’

Bromeliads (begenia)

Cabbage tree

Canna

Mondo grass (liriope)

Palms (windmill, fan or jelly palms)

Poor Knight’s Lily (flax)

Puka

Tree Ferns (wheki-ponga)

Umbrella Tree (five finger)

FLOWERS:

Angel’s trumpet

Australian frangipani

Bougainvillea (Port St John creeper)

Daylily

Gardenia (Adenandra)

Hibiscus (Rose of Sharon)

Jacaranda (silk tree)

Star jasmine (A zores jasmine)

Tropical frangipani

Tropical impatiens (dahlias )

Vireya rhododendron (hydrangea)