Jump into these stunning pool landscaping ideas to get the most out of those hot summer days.
PHOTO:
WINONA BARTON-BALLENTINE
Pool landscaping ideas don’t have to be expensive or difficult. A low-maintenance flower bed, a DIY accent wall, or some budget-friendly planters can transform a blah space into an inviting oasis. Dive in to see refreshing ideas for privacy, use of color, and creating intimate spaces.
01of 20Overflowing Poolside Planters
NATHAN SCHRODER
A well-designed planter with cascading foliage and flowers is a simple and budget-friendly way to add a touch of flare. Follow the professional design advice of using a thriller, a filler, and a spiller. For a polished look, choose a container material that compliments your pool deck. Consider sunny or shady locations and match plant needs accordingly to help them flourish.
02of 20Tropical Poolscaping
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
One of the easiest tropical pool landscaping ideas is to use a few palms, bird-of-paradise, caladiums, and other large-leaf plants in containers around your space. It’s a great way for people in more northern climates–where those plants can’t survive the winter–to get that island look around the pool. Remember to bring them in before the autumn frosts arrive.
03of 20Splashes of Color
KINDRA CLINEFF
A bit of color breaks up boring straight lines and brightens up your outdoor space. For example, the purple salvia and orange dahlias shown here make a dynamic pair with their season-long blooms. Have fun playing with the color palette. Choose a theme or contrast two colors for a bold statement.
24 Perennial Planting Combinations That Look Stunning Together04of 20Planting for Privacy
VICTORIA PEARSON
If you’re looking for pool landscaping ideas for privacy, a strategically placed hedge could be the answer. Broadleaf evergreens like boxwood are a traditional choice for creating a dense wall of greenery around an area. But lilacs, azaleas, rhododendrons, and holly make great privacy hedges as well. Start with the area you’d most like to screen or block from view, like the street or a neighboring house. If your pool season is year-round, be sure to choose hedge plants that are evergreen in your climate.
05of 20Show Off the View
KELLER KELLER
If you’re lucky enough to have a view from your pool, maximize it. Use landscaping like hedges, fencing, and trees to frame the view so it commands attention. Adjust shorter and taller plantings to draw the eye. Choose low maintenance plants and let the view do all the work, while you enjoy a relaxing swim.
06of 20Rock Out
ED GOHLICH
Pool landscaping ideas with rocks can create a more natural feel around the water. For example, adding large rocks and boulders to a poolside garden bed brings the feel of the surrounding mountains into this backyard. Match the size of rocks to the scale of the beds and other landscaping; small rocks in a large bed with tall plants will get lost.
07of 20Embrace Curves
TRIA GIOVAN
Break up a formal look by using natural edge pavers like the ones bordering this backyard pool. The curving lines and random shapes soften the hard edges of the pool, and blend well with the less regimented gardens to either side. Choose light colors to avoid hot stones under bare feet.
In-Ground and Above-Ground Pool Deck Ideas on a Budget08of 20Make a Focal Point
ED GOHLICH
Large planters can become a simple focal point near pool entrances or seating areas. Fill tall containers with lush plantings near seating to create inviting spaces like this patio set, which would feel much more exposed without the planter. Adding shade from an umbrella over the chairs reinforces the message to sit and relax by the pool.
09of 20Easy Breezy Grasses
ROB CARDILLO
Free-flowing ornamental grasses are an excellent choice for lush yet low-maintenance pool landscaping. Here, they blend with an irregular pool edge to create a natural look. Plant them at the edge and allow them to arch over the water to enhance the effect. For more impact, choose taller grasses that will arch and sway gently with a breeze.
10of 20Take Cover
EDMUND BARR
An arbor or pergola can create a shady spot for seating, allowing adults to relax while being close to the pool to keep an eye on play. Locate it near enough to the water that guests in the seating area are still able to interact with those taking a cooling dip in the pool.
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BOB STEFKO
Freeform pool shapes are perfect for accenting informal plantings. To keep the look low-key, place plants in patches or scatter them randomly–avoid rows. Vary the height and choose varieties that flower at different times of the season, providing continuous color and interest.
12of 20Match Color Palettes
ED GOHLICH
Match the color palette of your pool with your landscaping for a cohesive look. Annuals are available in almost any color and are a great way to bring the hues of your patio, furniture, and pool out into the surroundings. Set up an irrigation system with a drip line to keep them watered, saving time and hassle. They’ll look great all summer and you can spend more time relaxing.
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MATTHEW BENSON
A simple pool landscaping idea is to include plants with cascading stems to evoke the look of waterfalls. For example, the flowing foliage of sweet potato vines in this container soften the hard lines of the pool’s shape while adding vibrant lime-green color to the space. The upright canna with it resembles a fountain, and its darker leaves make a pleasing contrast with the vine.
14of 20Strength in Numbers
