We just had a 12x24 oval above ground pool installed. What type of plants would do best around the pool? I want to put some type of rock. We have red mulch around the other landscape in the back but I don't want that around the pool. We have day lillies, holly, japanese maple tree, and a butterfly bush in the corner between the house and pool. We will be having a 8x8 deck at one end of the pool. Any ideas what type of flowers/bushes/rock would be best? I cant seem to find any good pictures online. Thanks.
Sunset Western Garden Book has two pages with pictures of plants to use around a swimming pool. It also explains in the introduction on the first page what you should look for and avoid in plants. This link is for PDF file of the two pages from the book. You will need to use the enlarging tool to be able to easily read the pages. - http://content.yudu.com/A1urio...ley/resources/66.htm
You don't say in what part of the country--I'm not familiar with you so I wont suggest any plants but I will suggest you should be very careful about placing flowering plants near the pool. They can draw bees, wasps and their ilk and you don't want to have to keep swatting our friends when you are trying to get a tan.
Would it be possible to post a picture of the pool and surrounding area? I'm much better at suggesting plantings when I can visualize the topography and adjoining structures.
I would stay away from using mulch near the pool. Try pebbles instead to create a buffer between exposed planting beds/ soil and your patio or walkway around the pool. Maintenance will be much easier!
