Q. I have a pool that is being built and we're at the
final stages of it being done. We are trying to create a tropical theme around
the pool and most tropical plants don't do well in the desert. Do you have any
suggestions?
A. There is no reason you cannot have a tropical or
Hawaiian theme around your pool using either desert plants or plants that
thrive in our climate. There are dozens of of desert plants that resemble
tropical plants and even some plants that grow easily in both climates.
Let me give you a list of some
plant materials. There are so many to pick from that will fit into this theme.
This just came off of the top of my head.
Some of the tropical look has to
do with planting density. This area should be densely planted and use at least
plants from three different size categories. Use more size categories if it's a
larger area.
Be careful of focal points.
Don't have too many of them but use plant color or dramatic changes in plant
texture to pull the eye to a focal point. The focal point can be a waterfall,
water feature, spa area, entry/exit of from the pool, etc. designing an area
should make use of continuity and rhythm through plant repetition this is
usually done through plant texture or color.
There are a few landscape
architects and designers who read my blog. I am neither. Perhaps they will
chime in with some pointers as well.Don't be shy and please let readers know who you are and how to get a hold of you.
Trees
Mesquite. Any of the Mesquite trees look tropical.
Bottlebrush
California pepper
Acacia, some of the smaller Acacia
Windmill Palm, Mediterranean fan palm
Larger Shrubs
desert bird of paradise
Rose of Sharon (hibiscus)
Small Shrubs
Daylilies
Aloe
Nandina or heavenly bamboo
Bottlebrush
Mock Orange¶
ornamental grasses
Lantana
Vines
Carolina Jessamine
Star Jasmine
Bougainvillea (freezes back each year)
Groundcovers
Myoporum, sometimes called Australian Racer
Star Jasmine
Hearts and Flowers
Bougainvillea
Hen and chicks
Gopher plant
Perennials
Agapanthus
Amaryllis
Hollyhocks
Red Hot Poker
Canna lilies
Annuals
Vinca or periwinkle
Alyssum
Geranium
Celosia
Nasturtium
Portulaca
