The landscape design for the backyard of the residence was driven by client needs and site conditions that were assessed during homeowner consultation meetings and site visits. The client expressed a strong need for privacy in their new backyard pool area, lots of color in the landscape, turfgrass near the pool, and a desire to have a natural area along the southern edge of the property above the pool area. A considerable amount of water drains across the back of the property due to natural topography, and pool construction resulted in a steep slope along the northern side of the pool area. Mature trees in adjacent property areas also cast significant amounts of shade in the natural area above the pool.
As such, a privacy hedge consisting of Green Giant Arborvitae was planted along the northern edge of the property, and several Dan Fenton American Hollies were planted along the southern property line to fill in the gap between existing evergreen screening plants. A dry creek bed was installed in the natural area above the pool to facilitate water drainage, and surrounded with repeated groupings of shade tolerant plants such as azaleas, ferns, hostas, and hellebores to mimic a naturalized wooded area. Elephant ear, palms, hibiscus, butterfly bush, canna lilies, and other plants with a tropical flare were planted in the beds and containers in the sunnier pool area. A large variety of evergreen and deciduous plants with differing bloom times and colors were carefully selected and placed together to ensure year-round interest throughout the landscape. Ornamental grasses were planted on the steep slope on the northern side of the pool area to prevent erosion, as well as to visually complement the flowing nature of the water in the pool. Zoysia turfgrass was also planted at the homeowner’s request, neatly tying together the planting areas surrounding the pool and home, and providing a soft contrast to the adjacent pool decking.
