Pools call for lush planting

When planning your outdoor retreat around your pool, budget for unusual and lush plants that will add to the sense of retreat.

For height around a pool area, Tena O'Daniel of Floral Tree Gardens reminds pool owners that palms are both lush and nearly effort-free. They will not shed pollen into the pool area, muddying the waters, and they move gracefully in the breeze adding a lovely appeal without shedding leaves.

"There are many varieties of palms that thrive in our area, and I love the pygmy date palm for its multi-trunk presentation."

African Iris fill in the lower area of beds, adding variegated blooms or white to purple blooms. Floral Tree Gardens has many hybrid and indigenous plants for the perfect look.