AboutKathy Expertise I am able to answer exterior layout and design questions. I have a special talent for creating landscapes for children as well as entertaining. Going beyond the usual landscape design I can also suggest furniture and decor (lit candles, hanging pottery, etc) that will compliment any exterior design.
Color themes, geographical themes (japanese, tuscany, etc) and seasonal designs are also within my realm of expertise. A horticulturalist I am not, but, I can answer just about any question that might require a particular type of plant and whether it will work for you.
Experience Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science for SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry in association with Syracuse University where I took 2 years of Landscape Architecture. During that time I worked for 2 separate landscaping businesses - not design, but, maintaining plant materials. I have nearly 10 years of design and graphic layout in the web design field. I worked for a corporate web design/services company. I am currently a consultant for residential landscape design here in Virginia Beach.
Organizations Norfolk Botanical Gardens
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science for SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry in association with Syracuse University where I took 2 years of Landscape Architecture. Secondary education teacher certification. I taught high school earth science for 6 years.
Past/Present Clients All of my clients are local and residential.
Expert: Kathy Date: 7/4/2008 Subject: Hummingbird garden around pools
Question I resently installed a pool. I want to put a hummingbird garden right next to the pool. I live In Indiana. I have small children and i didn't know what to put in around the pool that the chlorine wouldn't kill and would still attract hummingbirds
Answer Hi Amy,
I apologize for the delay in my response. I was set for "vacation" and you are my first returning question...didn't notice you were in my mailbox. I am glad to help you out, though.
I did a little research on the topic of chlorine and plants and this is some of what I found:
"Generally the residential pool does not exceed 3 PPM (parts per million) of Chlorine at any given time. This is well below the threshold of harming a plant or grass during OCCASSIONAL contact. The bigger problem comes from pH levels, which many home owners don't monitor closely. Some plants like low pH, some like high. This will affect your plant more than chlorine (which is usually destroyed by UV light from the sun in a matter of hours after the water has evaporated)"
So, my suggestion is to find a list of plants that hummingbirds like and then check the pH requirements of those plants. If they are particular about their pH you may need to monitor the soil.
To reduce splashing on your plants you might also invest in building a 2 foot raised bed (depending on how close this bed is to your pool).
It sounds as if you have no worries as far as the chlorine goes.
