Step 1: Consider your climate

Your new pool can create a microclimate in your backyard so it is important to choose plants that will thrive in these conditions.

Pool-friendly plants are:

• Low maintenance with minimal pruning required
• Able to tolerate windy conditions that circulate salt or chlorine
• Able to thrive in partial to full sun conditions and withstand the light reflection off the water

Things to avoid:

• Putting plants too close to your pool
• Plants with invasive root systems (such as bamboo, rubber tree or umbrella tree) as they pose a risk to the structural integrity of the pool and plumbing
• Plants or trees that overhang the pool or shed regularly
• Fruit trees or other plants that attract bees
• Thorny or spiky varieties of plants

Step 2: Select practical plants

There are options to suit every requirements, ranging from ground coverings and shrubs through to screening plants. If you are short on space, climbing or hanging plants are a good option. If you want privacy, fig trees or strategically placed screening plants are ideal. Choosing the right plants can improve the temperature of your pool area, provide shade and privacy or even add a gentle fragrance to the air.

Some popular pool-friendly plants include (but are by no means limited to):

• Cascade palm
• Cordyline
• Frangipani
• Hibiscus
• Lomandra
• Nandina
• Mondo grass
• Snow Maiden

Step 3: Apply your aesthetic

Once you have decided what you need, it’s time to consider what you like. Refine your selection based on your personal preference and the look you are trying to achieve in your backyard. Remember, your pool should tie in seamlessly with the other elements in your yard to create a harmonious atmosphere.

Would you like hardy succulents and ornamental grass coverings? Or would you like to incorporate multi-layers using shrubs such as gardenias and rosemary? If shade-covering or light-filtering is a priority for you, you may consider planting fig trees, magnolias, olive trees or coastal banksias. If you are trying to create your own tropical oasis, banana trees, birds of paradise or small palms will work well.