Plants for Poolside Gardens

The best pool gardens are chosen by the skimmer box as much as the eye. Anyone who has spent a summer scooping leaves knows that the wrong tree beside a pool is a maintenance sentence, so this collection focuses on plants that look resort worthy while dropping as little as possible into the water.

Three practical tests should sit behind every poolside planting decision. First, leaf drop: evergreen species with large or firm leaves are far easier to live with than fine leafed or deciduous plants, because what does fall is caught in one scoop rather than a thousand. Second, root behaviour: keep anything with vigorous roots at least three metres from the pool shell, pipework and paving, and lean on clumping rather than running species close to the edge. Third, splash tolerance: plants within a metre or two of the water cop regular chlorinated or salt water splash, so choose tough, glossy leafed varieties for that front row. Beyond the plants themselves, remember that Australian pool fencing rules require climbable objects, including sturdy branches, to be kept clear of the fence, generally within a 900mm arc, so position shrubs and trees with the compliance certificate in mind.

Design wise, bold foliage reads beautifully against water. Layers of architectural leaves, a spine of screening plants for privacy from neighbours, and one sculptural feature plant reflected in the pool will do more than a dozen small flowering fillers, and the simpler palette means less pruning in peak swimming season.

Salt water pool owners will find natural allies in plants for coastal areas, since salt tolerance translates directly to splash zones. If the pool surrounds are part of a bigger outdoor refresh, garden makeover essentials covers the rest of the yard. For that instant tropical resort feel, start with the species in our golden cane palm care guide and frangipani care guide, both long standing favourites beside Australian pools.