Jan 29 2008
Pool Landscaping Made Simple
Mix some imagination, creativity and a few essential facts about plants, and your pool landscaping project will be the envy of the neighborhood. Most yards feature the pool as the focal point, which makes any landscaping around it a very important consideration. You want both beauty and practicality; the greenery you put around the pool needs to be compatible with the purpose of this area.
The Basics
The first place to start is with the placement of your pool. Check to see if there are any nearby trees with branches overhanging the pool; these will need to be trimmed to prevent debris from getting into the water. Next, decide on how people will approach the pool. A stone pathway can be installed, and you can choose either a straight-line route or curve the walkway to complement the shape of the pool. Having a path is essential to minimize grass clippings or dirt from getting into the water when you or your guests step into the pool.
Another basic consideration in pool landscaping is the planting of certain shrubs, flowers or ornamental grasses that will add a touch of beauty or privacy. If these plants may be splashed by chlorinated water, check with an expert at your local garden center to see which types of plants are hardy for this situation. Certain ornamental grasses are very popular in pool landscaping because they are low-maintenance.
Shrubs can be planted strategically around the pool for privacy, but don’t choose evergreens that shed their needles; this will make cleaning the pool that much harder. If you want a more private area, consider trellises. These can be painted to accent or blend in with your surroundings as you choose. There are also several vine type plants that can be trained to grow on a trellis, which would give this area a cozy feel.
Accessories
After you have begun your pool landscaping, take a few steps back. Do you have a patio? In many ways, a patio is like an outside room, and care should be taken when choosing the furniture and other accessories. There are many options to select from when it comes to patio furniture, from wicker sets to casual hammocks.
Wind chimes, a bird feeder or several pots of colorful flowers can complete this look. A gazebo can offer shade and privacy, while a fountain can add soothing sounds to enhance the peace of your relaxing retreat. Pool landscaping gives you an excellent opportunity to create a mood that can as inviting or as invigorating as you desire.
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Hi Jennifer,
I enjoyed your article on designing with pools and must add one comment.
When I have been asked to get involved on a project for a back yard invariably the homeowners have already met with a pool contractor and have the location and shape resolved already. Wrong, wrong, wrong!! not to slight pool contractors but IN GENERAL (not all) they have had little or no training in design. They have a few shapes to select from and tend to push their design on homeowners. A better way to go, in my opinion, is to realize that the pool is just one element to be incorporated into an overall plan and a landscape designer or L.A. is better suited to fit all the pieces together. But I bet you know this already
Rees Cowden