Poolside Planting and Gardening: Tips for gardening around the pool area

A wooden pool is more than just a functional element of the garden—it’s a design feature that invites nature into outdoor living. To bring out its full potential, it’s worth thinking not only about the pool itself, but also about the surrounding greenery. Carefully selected plants can soften the lines of poolside architecture, create a sense of privacy, and complete the look of a natural, relaxing retreat.

Whether designing a small garden corner or a full landscape around the pool, a well-balanced combination of sun-loving plants, greenery resistant to water chemistry, and decorative containers can transform the area into a harmonious outdoor space.

Poolside zones are typically exposed to intense sunlight and high temperatures. That’s why choosing plants that thrive in warm, dry conditions is essential for long-lasting results with minimal upkeep. Hardy, sun-tolerant species are ideal for creating structure and color around the pool without requiring daily care.

Recommended options include:

• Lavender – thrives in dry soil and full sun
• Daylilies – resilient and low-effort
• Sedum – easy to grow, with attractive foliage

These widely available plants not only handle the heat well but also help maintain a neat appearance, reducing leaf drop and garden debris.

Water splashes are part of pool life, but chlorine in pool water can be harmful to sensitive plants. Selecting species that tolerate occasional exposure to treated water helps ensure the poolside garden remains healthy and green throughout the season.

Well-suited species include:

• Yucca – tolerant of both sun and chemicals
• Hosta – suitable for semi-shaded areas with moisture
• Lantana – colorful and robust

These plants offer a reliable solution for areas close to the pool, where contact with water is hard to avoid.

For those seeking more seclusion, tall plants and hedges are an effective and attractive solution. They can mark the boundary of the pool area, shield it from neighbors, and add a touch of natural elegance without resorting to hard barriers.

Effective choices for privacy include:

• Ornamental grasses – soft, movement-friendly, and space-efficient
• Thuja (Arborvitae) – dense, evergreen, and ideal for creating living fences
• Hydrangea paniculata – tall flowering shrubs that offer both privacy and seasonal beauty

Such greenery brings vertical interest to the landscape while enhancing the sense of intimacy around the pool.

The atmosphere around the pool can be shaped by more than just structure—subtle greenery and seasonal color bring softness and personality to the space. Even a few accents can change the character of the area and define its purpose, whether calm and relaxing or full of energy.

Suggested accents include:

• Petunias – cheerful and available in many colors
• Geraniums – long-blooming and well-suited for containers
• Begonias – shade-tolerant and decorative throughout the summer

These elements work especially well in combination with planters, making it easy to adjust or refresh the composition over time.

When planting directly in the ground isn’t an option—or when flexibility is key—containers offer a versatile alternative. Wooden planters, in particular, are a natural choice for wooden pools. They echo the material of the structure and help create a cohesive, integrated design.

Benefits of wooden planters:

• Blend seamlessly with pool surroundings
• Allow precise control over soil and drainage
• Offer seasonal flexibility and portability

Placed on decking, terraces, or gravel borders, planters extend the planting possibilities and make it easier to create distinct visual zones within the pool area.

A well-planned poolside garden enhances more than just the view. It frames the pool, adds texture and depth, and creates a sense of place that invites relaxation and enjoyment. With sun-hardy plants, chlorine-tolerant greenery, vertical elements for privacy, and natural wood planters, the area around the pool becomes an essential part of outdoor living—not just in summer, but throughout the season.