| Can you please recommend a low-maintenance, hardy, preferrably flowering perrennial plant that I could plant around our above-ground pool. Right now I have myrtle growing under the "deck" portion, but would like something attractive/pretty for around the sides. Naturally the pool is in the sun most of the day. And the winters are harsh. It is possible that clorinated pool water may splash over, but not too much. Right now the grass just grows up to and against the side of the pool. |
| Most any sun-loving shrub or perennials should do. More important than the bit of chlorine that would splash on the plants is the soil type and drainage in the area. The soil around the pool may be compacted if heavy equipment was part of the installation process. Add some organic matter through the area to enrich the soil and improve drainage. Leave at least 24" between the pool and the planting bed. A mixture of long-blooming daylilies, reblooming iris, coneflower, solidago, spirea, hollies, evergreens, hydrangeas, ornamental grasses would look great, or you can use a few of these for simplicity. These plants will need some TLC their first year to become well established, so they can withstand the harsh winter. Keep them well watered and mulch the exposed soil. A soil test is recommended for best results. Your county extension service can help with testing (ph# 908/788-1338). Enjoy! |
