Designing a Pool Landscape in Niagara: How to Turn Your Backyard into a Relaxing Oasis
When it comes to creating the ultimate backyard retreat, nothing quite compares to the serene beauty of a pool. But the water alone doesn't create the atmosphere you're aiming for—it’s the surrounding pool landscape that transforms your backyard into a relaxing oasis. Designing a landscape that complements your pool is all about blending nature, colour, and design elements that make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home.
Here’s how to design the perfect pool landscape and turn your backyard into a tranquil paradise.
Need help designing your pool landscape? At Gauld Nurseries our team has the expertise to transform your backyard into a breathtaking and functional oasis. Don't let the design process feel overwhelming – contact us today!
The plants you choose for your pool landscape should match its theme. Image: Pixabay.
1. Matching Plants To Your Pool's Vibe
The key to a stunning pool landscape lies in choosing the right plants to frame your oasis. The type of plants you select will help determine the vibe of your outdoor space. Whether you prefer a tropical getaway, a Mediterranean retreat, or a more minimalist, contemporary garden, the plants you choose will set the tone.
Tropical Vibes: If you're looking for a lush, exotic atmosphere, choose flowering plants such as hibiscus or bougainvillea. These plants thrive in the warm weather and add a splash of vibrant colour that will complement the cool blues of your pool.
Mediterranean Style: For a more relaxed, sun-drenched vibe, consider incorporating lavender, succulents, and rosemary. Their silvery-green foliage and fragrant blooms pair perfectly with neutral pool colours and provide a rustic charm.
Contemporary or Minimalist: If your pool area is sleek and modern, opt for clean, structured plants such as ornamental grasses, boxwoods, or evergreens. These low-maintenance options keep the space feeling uncluttered and stylish.
Take into consideration the colour palette of your garden when designing your pool landscape. Image: Unsplash.
2. Coordinating Your Pool's Colour With Your Garden
The colour palette of your pool and its surroundings is another essential aspect to consider. The aim is to create harmony between the water, the plants, and any hardscape elements (like pavers and stones).
Matching the Pool to the Garden:
Think of your pool as a central element in your outdoor colour palette. Consider these pairings:
Classic Blue Pools:
These versatile pools evoke a sense of cleanliness and freshness. They pair beautifully with a wide range of garden colours.
Complementary Colours: Look to the warmer side of the colour wheel for contrast and vibrancy. Plantings with pops of orange, yellow, and red flowers (think Marigolds, Zinnias, or even some varieties of Daylilies that thrive in Niagara's summer) can create a lively and energetic feel.
Analogous Colours: For a more serene and cohesive look, surround your blue pool with plants in shades of green, purple, and other blues (like Lavender, Salvia, or blue Hydrangeas that do well in our climate).
Neutral Backdrops: Silver and grey foliage plants (like Dusty Miller or Lamb's Ears) provide a cool and elegant backdrop that allows the blue of the pool to truly shine.
Darker Pools (Navy, Grey, or Black Liners):
These sophisticated options create a sense of depth and can make your pool feel like a natural pond or a sleek, modern water feature.
Dramatic Contrast: Bold greens and vibrant jewel-toned flowers stand out beautifully against darker water. Consider planting lush foliage like Hostas and Ferns, punctuated by pops of pink, purple, or even white Impatiens or Begonias that tolerate shade well.
Modern Elegance: Pair with minimalist landscaping featuring structural grasses and simple, clean lines. Monochromatic green gardens can also create a very chic and contemporary look.
Lighter Pools (Light Blue, Teal, or Sandy Liners):
These colours often aim for a more natural, tropical, or inviting feel.
Beach Vibes: Sandy-toned liners pair well with warm-toned flowers and drought-tolerant plants, evoking a beachy atmosphere. Think ornamental grasses and flowers in yellows, oranges, and reds that can handle Niagara's summer sun.
Bright and Airy: Light blue or teal pools complement white and pastel flowers, creating a fresh and airy ambiance. Think white Petunias, pink Geraniums, or light purple Alyssum.
Consider Hardscaping:
Pavers and stones in complementary tones can tie everything together. A mix of natural stone in earthy tones can create a seamless flow between your pool and the garden, offering a rustic yet polished look. Lighter-coloured pavers pair well with tropical plants, while dark stone pavers make for a dramatic contrast against vibrant flowers.
Incorporate walkways as part of your pool landscape.
3. The Role of Pathways and Walkways
A well-designed landscape should invite you to explore, and this is where pathways and walkways come into play. Whether you’re walking around the pool to take in the views or heading to a secluded seating area, pathways create structure and flow in your backyard.
Consider the layout and functionality of your pool area. Stone or tile walkways that surround the pool or lead to other parts of your garden can make the space feel connected. Use contrasting materials to highlight key features of the garden or pool, like flagstone walkways that lead to hidden corners of the yard or around the pool’s perimeter.
Add fire pits and water features to your pool landscape. Image: Pixabay.
4. Adding Texture with Decorative Features
In addition to plants, adding texture and visual interest through decorative elements is key to creating a luxurious, resort-style pool landscape. Think about incorporating decorative elements like water features, fire pits, or even sculptures. These pieces can bring the whole design together and create focal points that draw the eye.
Water Features: Waterfalls, fountains, and streams can add both visual appeal and calming sounds that enhance the relaxation factor of your oasis.
Fire Pits: As the sun sets, a fire pit surrounded by seating can offer warmth and ambiance. This can extend your pool area’s usability into the cooler months.
Lighting: Subtle landscape lighting along walkways, around the pool, or in key plants will make your pool area justas stunning at night as it is during the day.
Privacy: Utilize hedges, shrubs or strategically placed trees to create privacy, mindful of local bylaws and mature plant sizes in your region.
Dedicated Lounging Zones: Create distinct areas for relaxation with comfortable loungers, perhaps under the dappled shade of a native Niagara tree like a Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) or a Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis). Consider incorporating built-in benches or daybeds.
Outdoor Dining Area: Design a charming patio space adjacent to the pool, perfect for enjoying meals outdoors. Consider using pavers that complement your pool deck and adding a pergola or umbrella for shade during sunny Niagara afternoons.
Designing a pool landscape in Niagara is about more than just choosing plants—it’s about creating a space that feels like an escape from the everyday. By selecting the right plants, harmonizing the colours of the pool and garden, and adding texture through hardscaping and decorative elements, you can transform your backyard into a serene oasis.
Gauld Nurseries: Your Partner in Pool Landscape Design
As you begin to plan and design your dream pool landscape, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect combination of plants, materials, and hardscaping elements. This is where Gauld Nurseries can step in to help bring your vision to life.
Known for our expertise in creating beautiful outdoor spaces, Gauld Nurseries offers a wide range of plants that thrive in Niagara’s climate, from tropical varieties to hardy perennials and evergreens.
Our experienced landscape designers can guide you in selecting the right plants for your pool area based on your desired style, from lush tropical gardens to sleek, modern landscapes. Get started today!
Why Our Customers Choose Gauld Nurseries
“This nursery is fabulous. It has an awesome location atop the escarpment and is well off the road, so nicely quiet. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. I like that they have native plants such as witch hazel and serviceberry.”