Nice large pool area you have there nativemel. I have mostly amaryllis, some succulents and orchids under my pool cage. I learned the hard way not to keep anything that drops flowers or leaves, it can be a nightmare! It sounds like you are wanting something larger, evergreen, perhaps flowering type. Again, beware of too may flowers that will drop into pool area, get blown into the water etc. I have 2 cats and they do not bother any of the plants on the lanai and patio. It is afterall, their domain since they do not go outside.

Almost everyone I know puts potted palms inside the pool cage.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm still in the stage of getting the rocks out of the dirt. I'm thinking of using an old colander to rinse and separate the desirables from the white rocks. Based on my busy summer schedule, I'm guessing this project isn't going to get planted before October.

I get so sick of seeing all the St. Augustine lawns dotted with crepe myrtles and pool cages with potted palms. I want to be different. I just don't know where to start because I have very, VERY limited plant knowledge.

I know I like a variety of leaf colors and sizes. So far I haven't killed my bird of paradise or century plant.

Yes, I am concerned about putting something that close to the pool that would drop leaves or flowers, so I just don't know where to go.

And, I have one cat in particular that will eat any plant any where any day. I'm worried about poisoning her, although she's lived 11 years with me and I've not done it yet. She even chewed my asparagus fern down to the dirt. Vicious plant killer!