| I would like to landscape around/nearby an above ground pool I'm having install this summer. would like to put hostas around perrimeter of round pool, and decorative grasses and flowers. any plants I should stay away from because of bugs or bees, or perhaps root damage because of invasive roots near the pool? |
| As long as you are planting perennials rather than woody plants there shouldn't be much danger to the pool from your plantings. (The pool should have a deep base of sand beneath it to help protect it, also.) Wind pollinated plants such as evergreens and grasses will not attract insects. Most flowering plants however can attract bees, wasps or flies when they bloom. You might not plant them right next to the steps for example to limit their proximity to people. Your selection should reflect the amount of light reaching the planting site. Hostas and ferns for example generally require shade and so would do better on the north or east side of the pool. Sun loving plants should be planted to the south side, and heat and sun loving plants such as echinacea purpurea, salvia, and sedum to the west side. Your selection should also take into account whether the soil is especially wet or dry, if the site is windy, and whether your soil is clay based or more loamy. You will also need to consider how much space you want to fill and how much maintenance you wish to do. Keep in mind also that you may need to delay planting until after the pool is in place and filled, and you may need to leave room right at the edge of the pool so you have space to stand for performing any needed maintenance. Your local professional nursery staff should be able to help you select plants that would thrive in the area where you want to plant and meet your other criteria as well. Enjoy your new pool! |
