Discovering the Influence of Potted Plants: A Surprise Revelation at Steve Martin's Resort-Style Pool Area
Enhancing Pool Landscaping for a Relaxing Oasis
Transforming a pool area into a tranquil oasis is a popular trend among homeowners, and there are several strategies to achieve this goal. According to interior designer Luisina Marchiori of Homerun Brokers, surrounding the pool with lush vegetation enhances its appeal and creates a vibrant, natural ambience.
One key approach is to opt for a mix of low-maintenance, climate-appropriate plants that add colour, fragrance, texture, and privacy while ensuring they won't harm the pool or create excessive debris.
Tropical Shrubs and Flowering Plants
Incorporating plants like Bird of Paradise, Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, Cannas, and Oleander can add vibrant colors and a tropical vibe around the pool. These plants also attract pollinators, increasing the sense of a natural oasis. However, it's important to note that Oleander is toxic to pets, so careful consideration should be given to plant placement.
Fragrant Plants
Plants such as Lavender, Gardenia, Heliotrope, and Lesser Calamint can create a pleasant scent, enhancing relaxation and sensory appeal. It's essential to avoid overwatering these plants to ensure their continued health.
Ornamental Grasses
Adding ornamental grasses like Mexican Feather Grass, Fountain Grass, or Miscanthus provides texture and softness, creating a natural, calming environment. These grasses are low-maintenance and add movement that creates a visually appealing effect.
Succulents and Drought-Tolerant Plants
Succulents and drought-tolerant plants, such as Agave, Yucca, Aloe, and Echeveria, are ideal for hot, sunny locations. These plants require little water and maintenance, adding sculptural shapes and visual interest.
Evergreen Shrubs or Trees
Incorporating evergreen shrubs or trees like Italian Cypress, Podocarpus, or Southern Magnolia provides year-round greenery and privacy without excessive leaf litter. Tall hedges or shrubs can create seclusion while keeping the space open and inviting.
Avoiding Problematic Plants
It's crucial to avoid plants with invasive roots or those that shed excessive leaves/flowers into the pool to minimize maintenance and pool contamination. Additionally, it's important to consider plant placement carefully, avoiding planting highly allergenic or toxic plants near pool areas if children or pets frequent the space.
Landscape Lighting
Enhancing the pool area with landscape lighting can highlight plants and architectural features, improving the ambiance and safety for nighttime use.
By carefully combining these plants with hardscaping and lighting features, you can transform the pool area into a year-round, inviting backyard retreat. Experimenting with greenery of different sizes is a fantastic way to create dimension in a flat backyard area, making it feel more relaxing and visually appealing.
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Incorporating a variety of plants in the pool landscaping, such as tropical shrubs, fragrant plants, ornamental grasses, succulents, and evergreen shrubs or trees, enhances the area's beauty and promotes a tranquil oasis-like ambience. Additionally, landscape lighting highlights plants and architectural features, contributing to a more welcoming and visually appealing outdoor-living space. Subscribing to the Home-and-Garden newsletter provides valuable design expertise and inspiration for homeowners seeking to improve their garden furniture and overall lifestyle.
