To Complement the tropical theme, other tree choices include varieties of Continued next page

ool areas of all homeowners associations should be a focal point for the homeowners who choose to use those facilities. Since many associations have very few amenities, the recreational amenities they do have should be beautifully landscaped and well-maintained.

When I think of pool areas, I am one to think of tropical settings: tall palm trees wisping in the wind and surrounded by lush, colorful landscaping and-ah yes!-my favorite beverage in hand. What a way to spend the weekend! Isn't this the way most of you picture a pool environment? But most of you may be quick to add that your pool landscape does not look like the Hawaiian dream that I described.

So what can we do to enrich our pool area landscaping? First, a budget must be devised. How much upgrading does this area need? Is it only that a few flats of color need to be added periodically? Maybe 15 to 20 plants need to be added to fill bare areas? Or maybe your project is more than 15 years old and has twisted junipers and Italian cypress surrounding the fence? In any case, there needs to be a vision of what is to be done. Conduct a survey to solicit the homeowners' opinions of what they believe the area should look like. Another factor to consider is that common and recreational areas are very important to potential buyers. Remember, curb appeal is critical, so from aesthetic buildings to landscape maintenance, every aspect in your community should be an asset that sells your association.

If your recreation and pool areas are somewhat large and need considerable renovation, you may consider consulting with a landscape designer or landscape architect. In the last few years this option has worked very well for many associations. There are numerous landscape architects and designers that specialize

solely in consulting with homeowners associations. More and more of the associations we work with have these consultants on board. It is to everyone's benefit to have a neutral third party evaluating specifications, performance and even architectural review concerns.

My plant selections for the pool area begin with palms. I believe, where the climate dictates, palms should be included in every pool landscape-pools and palms are perfect partners. Most palms are tropical and subtropical; as the Sunset Western Garden Book (Sixth Edition, Sunset Publishing corporation, 1995) says, some specimens are hardy and can be found in Seattle, Portland and even in Southern Russia! The book suggests the following hardy palms for cold areas: Chamaerops, Jubaea, Phoenix canariensis and Trachycarpus. However, since I love the Southern California sunshine, I'll be making suggestions related to this climate.

My favorite palm of all is the Queen Palm, Syagrus romanzoffianum. I suggest planting at least 15 gallon-sized plants, probably sticking to 24-inch box specimens. Plant them in several groups of three, spacing them 8 to 10 feet apart. Occasional groupings of five are attractive as well. The more you plant, the more convincing your tropical oasis environment will be. A tip for your maintenance contractor is to hose the fronds frequently in summer as they are susceptible to spider mites.

Supplementing the Queen Palm should be a variety of other palms. I have used the Pigmy Date Palm extensively around my own pool. These are very slow growing, so make sure to budget for 12-inch pots and up. For every two Queen Palms, I'd plant one Pigmy Date Palm. Another Palm I've used is the Windmill Palm, Trachycarpus fortunei. Don't confuse the windmill Palm with the Mediterranean Fan Palm, which has sharp barbs on the fronds and may not be a good choice with

As for shrub and perennial selections, consider plants that limit leaf or flower droppings. My favorites are New Zealand Flaxes, Cannas, ornamental grasses, sago palms, Pestemons, Lavenders, Sea Lavender, Agapanthas, Day lilies, Gaillardia, Liriope, Philodendron, Bird of paradise, Society garlic, Star jasmine, Aloe and Agave attenuata.

My all-time favorites when choosing a plant for color are the bedding begonias. With white, pink and red flowers that bloom constantly throughout the year, this choice is becoming a favorite of many landscapers. You also have your choice of green or bronze foilage to go with those white, pink and red blossoms. One plant with yellow blooms that I've learned to love in the last two years or so is the Bulbinella plant. A rapid grower that is valuable for it's winter color, Bulbinella should be kept dry in the summer months.

This makes Bulbinella an excellent choice for those low-water-usage gardens. It's also very easy to take cuttings to fill in bare areas, and it makes an excellent cut flower. I have planted many bare areas at my home with this virtually unknown plant.

If the size of the area permits, turf is an excellent choice for pool areas. Nothing enhances a landscape better than a green turf area. Turf not only looks great, but offers children a safe place to play. Turf areas also offer a comfortable setting for pool picnics and parties for members and their guests.

Initially, I thought, how am I going to write a lengthy article on pool landscaping? Now I could go on forever. Well, I hope I've left you with new ideas on beautifying your pool areas or other areas of your association. Until next time...for all you landscapers out there, an old Chinese proverb states: "Flowers leave some of their fragrance in the hands that bestow them."

RANDY NEWHARD IS PRESIDENT OF NEW WAY PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE SERVICES IN SAN DIEGO , CA.