Organic Pool Design
Project Type: Landscaping
Location: Warrenville IL
Services: Landscape Design
While Bruss Landscaping is typically brought in at the beginning of a project, in this case an extensive and beautiful hardscape was already in place. We were given the delightful task of adding plantings to soften the hardscape and bring elements of the woodland setting into the outdoor living spaces.
With the background canvas already painted, we chose plants that were well-suited to the site and played to its strengths. Others might be disappointed that shady conditions can limit the use of traditional flowering plants, but we used the opportunity to highlight foliage textures and colors and even create movement with ornamental grasses. Flowering perennials were then used sparingly for greater impact. The generous spacing on the property allowed us to develop multiple layers of plantings – accentuating the depth of the landscape without it feeling overwhelming.
The strong linear pool shape juxtaposed with natural surroundings seemed the perfect occasion to be bold with our plant choices. Hydrangeas, variegated Hosta, and vivid Japanese Hakone Grass are massed to echo the pool’s linear design. Seen from the upper deck or poolside, the look is vibrant and inviting because of its simplicity – too many plant varieties would have the landscape appear indistinguishable. With the addition of uplights on the mature trees, what might otherwise be a foreboding darkness becomes an appealing destination for a refreshing twilight swim.
Hydrangeas did double-duty throughout, offering structure and stunning, long-blooming flowers. They transition from the shade to the sunnier spots and provide cohesion in the design. Brighter planting pockets off the stairs and between patio levels let us punch up the color with long-blooming perennials like Geranium, Ornamental Onion, and Black-Eyed Susan. Select understory trees – like a dark-leaf Japanese Maple – add instant interest and bridge the gap between the new ground-plane plantings and the mature existing trees.
Along the firepit patio, native understory shrubs like Witch Hazel and Viburnum, mixed with Hydrangea, provide subtle screening of the neighboring home and suit the woodland feel our client desired. The loose, almost rambling habit of the Geranium adds to the organic nature of the setting and the rustic elements of the stonework. The mid-sized Feather Reed Grass works as a soft screen between the patio and the front yard – they bloom early and last all summer. Additional shrub plantings continue the layered effect while providing interest and screening, all the while contributing to woodland landscape our clients love.
The experts at Bruss Landscaping provide a premier landscaping experience to all of our clients in the Chicagoland area. We take pride in being an established, high-end landscape design company for over 70 years. If you are planning your next outdoor landscape design or hardscape project, check out some of the landscaping awards we have won year by year. Our gallery page also features photos of these award-winning properties. Request a landscaping consultation with one of our landscape design experts today by calling 630-576-9467.
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