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Pool Side Rejuvenation Plantings

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Often pool side gardens are planned for looks and not the activities associated with pool use. Plantings at pool level and near the edges flood with splashing water resulting in rotting roots. Also many of the plants are in the way of games that are part of pool time fun. 

If this sounds like your pool side problems some modifications of the planting site can help you enjoy both the water and the greenery. It all starts by removing the plants in the problem area.
Eliminate the problem of wet planting sites by substituting rocks, pavers or bricks for the soil. Remove organic soils until you reach a sandy area in the ground. Replace these soils with builders sand bringing it to within an inch or two of the decking. Firm the sand and you are ready to fill in the bed
Many gardeners like to replace the soil with colorful stones. Others choose bricks or pavers that match the color of the decking. Some use contrasting materials to create an eye catching pattern near the pool. Install the stones, bricks or pavers so they are level with the decking. When installing stones a landscape fabric might be added first to keep them from settling into the sand below.

Now you can add the plants but this time in containers. Place them where you need them to soften the concrete features of the pool and add interest but out of the way of pool time activities.

Where the pool side gardens were once large areas consider adding several containers to fill the spot. Possibly three or more containers of different sizes can be used to create new interest. You might use a combination of greenery including the taller ficus, bird of paradise and schefflera. And for the smaller accent plants choose anthurium, spathiphyllum and syngonium for the shady spots and Mexican heather, bush daisies, pentas, ti plants and annual flowers for the full sun.