Online Reporter
Andrew Mangwarara
IF you have ever had the pleasure of relaxing with friends, you know how hot and dry a poolside can feel when it is surrounded only by concrete.
Plants provide a natural cooling effect wherever they are placed.
However, it is not just a matter of choosing any plant; it is important to select varieties that provide beauty without creating a mess in the water.
Opt for evergreen, perennial plants that will not shed leaves into the pool.
Properly chosen plants add personality to the poolside, softening the hard edges with texture and transforming the area into an inviting outdoor living space.
Choose colours wisely to brighten up the area and create a holiday resort atmosphere.
Be wary of certain flowering plants, as they can attract bees, making the area unsafe, or drop petals that become a nuisance in the water.
Plants like bougainvillea are well-suited to the poolside because they are hardy, do not typically attract bees and thrive in pots, which keeps them from getting out of hand.
Other excellent additions to the poolside are geraniums and busy lizzies (impatiens), especially in areas with partial shade. As long as they are kept watered, they will reward you with continuous blooms.
While flowers provide seasonal interest, foliage plants offer a long game.
Plants like the elephant ear (alocasia odora), bromeliads and bold ferns create a tropical, jungle-like setting, while New Zealand flax (phormium tenax) provides an exotic, sculptural display. By combining flowering plants with bold foliage, you can create a vibrant, poetic oasis. As you curate your poolside greenery, you are crafting a joyful atmosphere that will encourage you to linger outdoors well into the late-night hours.
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