It's that time of year: those with pools are taking the covers off their swimming swimming areas, and gearing up for a busy summer season. While much of pool prep centers around cleaning, accessorizing is an equally important part of outdoor maintenance. Just ask Martha Stewart, whose pool accessory of choice is not a noodle, but a potted plant.
The domestic multi-hyphenate recently posted a photo of singular, potted agave plants lining the perimeter of her backyard pool, giving the already-blissful atmosphere an elevated appearance (and inspiring some new pool ideas).
'Every spring, I love to take out my ornamental urns, fill them with beautiful plants, and display them around the farm,' she says in the caption. '...see the lush green Agave bracteosa plants that are now around my pool.'
If we are looking for a plant to add dramatic presence to our garden, this Octopus Agave will fit the bill. It grows with grace and beauty before blooming at full maturity.
Live in a particularly warm region? These plants thrive in heat, making them an excellent addition to a backyard in the summer.
'Agave plants are celebrated for their unique and bold appearance,' Gardens Content Editor for Homes & Gardens, Thom Rutter states. 'Considered some of the best desert plants, these low-maintenance succulents can tolerate long, dry summers, making them ideal for those who garden in warmer states such as Florida, Texas and California.'
Rutter says that there are many varieties of agave plants to choose from – Stewart has opted for Agave bracteosa, otherwise known as the squid agave (named for its tentacle-like appearance).
For those who already have a garden scheme happening in their backyards, Rutter says that agave plans can be complementary features against other plants.
'These succulents make for great pot plants,' he explains. 'They can be grown in their own individual planters, as Martha Stewart has done, creating a brilliant and beautiful pot display, or they can be combined with other, softer planting, such as ornamental grasses or salvia plants.'
As far as care goes, Rutter stresses the importance of placement and drainage in their survival.
'Remember that these plants need full sun, so placing them in an open spot in the yard, such as near a pool, is important,' he says. 'Ensure that your container has plenty of drainage, incorporating grit with your potting soil if necessary. What's more, it is possible to grow agave indoors, provided they have a warm and sunny spot.'
