Landscaping is the final phase of completing any outdoor living space. Once the structures are completed and the pool and decking are installed, softscape is the final piece of the design and the one that will have possibly the greatest impact on the overall feel of the space. Your UNIQUE plant palette can create a lush tropical oasis, a minimalist desertscape or the formal feel of an old world English garden. Many homeowners worry that having a pool limits their choices for plants and the overall style of area. But in reality, there is a wide assortment of plants which can look beautiful around your pool without creating maintenance issues. 

Tropical Oasis

Palm trees are always a great addition to create a UNIQUE tropical feel. The Pygmy Date and the Mediterranean Fan are two smaller palm varieties which produce little debris but add interest and texture near your pool. The Pygmy Date Palm has a more feathery soft frown while the Mediterranean Fan has a sharper more angular look. This contrast as well as the different shades of green create interest as larger background plant. Ponytail Palms and the Madagascar Palm also make nice specimens for a center piece in a planting or in a large planter or urn. Color can be introduced with the Tropical Bird of Paradise, Ice Plant, Wedelia, Kangaroo Paw and Dwarf Ruellia. Iris and ornamental grasses also provide a long wispy foliage as well as some additional color.
[Read more…]