Enhance your swimming pool with landscaping ideas
Backyard pools provide a way to cool off and enjoy a taste of luxury without having to travel. Backyard pools provided even more convenience and a welcome respite in 2020, as many public pools were closed in response to social distancing restrictions put in place during the pandemic.
After installing pools, many homeowners realize that touching up the landscaping around the pool can provide the finishing touch to their backyard retreats. Not all land- scaping is the same, and homeowners should choose plants that look beautiful, are tolerant to pool splash-out and won’t outgrow the area.
The home and garden resource The Spruce notes that a plant that is attractive at two feet tall can grow rap- idly and drop leaves or other debris into the pool. When selecting options for pool land- scaping, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
■ Choose plants that will provide privacy.
■ Know which kind of climate a plant needs prior to purchasing it. Tropical plants may be fitting poolside, but will they endure when the season is over?
■ Design according to the theme of the home, as plants should complement the exist- ing style. Modern foliage may not blend well with a home styled after a traditional English cottage.
■ Decide whether you can accept spreading or trailing plants that can cascade over retaining walls and other infrastructure.
■ Look at trees that won’t drop too many leaves, flowers or fruit into the water.
■ Think about having layers of plants to soften the landscape, which can make a small pool seem bigger and more luxurious, indicates the landscaping company Earth Development Inc.
■ Don’t overlook the possibility of a lawn abutting pavers or concrete surrounding a pool, as it can soften the edges and keep spaces open and inviting.
■ Incorporate herbs or fragrant plants, which can transform a pool day into a spa experience. Consider low-maintenance lavender as an option.
Pool landscaping must marry a variety of different features and plant requirements. As a result, a professional consultation may be the route to take. Landscape architects will have the knowhow to select plant varieties that will be tolerant, beautiful and fulfill homeowners’ wishes.