Summer is upon us. You are ready to enjoy your pool. Maybe you are planning to add a pool for your family to enjoy. Maybe your family just moved into a new house with an in-ground pool. There is just one problem. Your poolside situation is lacking. Instead of feeling like a relaxing oasis of summer fun, you are making lists in your head about what you should be doing to combat dead grass and empty space.
Never fear! You can save yourself from this fate by making your pool area everything you want and more. There are 4 effective techniques for landscaping around your in-ground pool. Hgtv.com offers inspiration with 40 Stunning Ways to Landscape Around a Swimming Pool.
- Landscape for Privacy
Close neighbors and curious kids are a recipe for seeking ways to make your pool area a bit more private. Landscaping can help you achieve your privacy goals. Privacy fencing is not the only option available. There are more creative and natural ways to create a private swimming pool environment or even divide your poolside space into pockets of seclusion.
You could plant boxwood shrubs around your pool or set up a trellis with vines growing through it. For an even more aesthetically pleasing privacy screen, adventurous homeowners can build a terraced landscape around their pool area with retaining walls and colorful plant beds.
- Plant Shrubs and Flowers
When adding bushes or flowering plants to your in-ground pool area, it is always a good idea to look for vibrant, colorful plants that will complement the bright blue of the pool water. Choose plants of several assorted colors and textures to take your pool’s landscape from flat to fabulous.
Some common favorites for a poolside pop of color include hydrangeas, hibiscus, and the bird of paradise. For a natural look that is easy to care for, try lining your pool with a “bed head”-style garden, a garden that grows wildly and randomly, just like a scenic field of wildflowers.
A container garden of potted plants that are strategically arranged might be a good layout choice if your pool is surrounded by hardscapes that make planting in the ground difficult or impossible. Goodhousekeeping.com has Everything You Need to Know About Container Gardening.
- Succulent Garden and Other Plant Options
There are even more great plants to complement your in-ground pool that do not fall under the category of trees or shrubs. Succulents and ornamental grasses are low-maintenance options that can make a statement when used effectively with the rest of your landscape.
If you want to turn your pool into a spa-like backyard oasis, you might consider planting fragrant herbs. For instance, lavender, jasmine, or sage can enhance your pool area’s visual appeal while simultaneously releasing a soothing scent into the air.
Thespruce.com offers 18 Best Plants for Swimming Pool Landscaping.
- Hardscape
Hardscapes can improve your pool landscape just as much as plants can. If you entertain guests often, you may want to build an outdoor living space, such as a pool deck or patio. You can also add a gazebo or wooden walkways. Consider centering your landscaping around a focal piece such as a sculpture or water feature.
For a more natural look, surround your pool with boulders and river rocks. Complement them with a bubbling fountain or simple waterfall to give your pool the peaceful feel of a mountain spring. If you have a geometric-shaped pool, pavers could be the perfect accessory to create a modern landscape design with clean lines and a minimalist look.
Get the most out of your pool this summer with the right landscaping! Patera Landscaping can design the right poolside escape. Contact us today!