Do It Yourself Landscaping
It’s spring, and the flowers are starting to pop up, and the trees are blooming. We all have a lot more time on our hands while we practice social distancing.
That makes it the perfect time to get outside and do some gardening and landscaping. Grab the kids, some gloves, and a few shovels. Digging in the dirt is a great form of exercise, and it’s good for your mental health, too.
If you’re ready to add some color around your pool, you’ll love this how-to guide. Let’s look at do it yourself landscaping around your backyard, hot tub, or inground pool.
Write Down Your Goals
Perhaps you’re looking for more privacy. Or, maybe you’re looking for less leaves in your pool.
You might be like many homeowners who are looking for attractive, low maintenance plants.
Whatever your goals, be sure you know them before you hit the garden store.
Sketch a Design
Using paper, draw or sketch out the plan you’d like. First, make an outline of your pool and any decking. Next, draw the perimeter of your yard.
Add any existing landscape to the design. Finally, add your thoughts to the sketch.
Consider these things when creating your design:
- Plant types: trees, bushes or flowers
- Stone or brick accents
- Potting accents
- Lighting
- Plant beds
Your pool is the centerpiece of your backyard, and your new landscaping should complement it.
Prime the Beds
Use good quality soil. Pick mulch that accents your color scheme.
Consider using organic products as they are higher quality.
Know What to Plant
It’s a good idea to avoid thorny plants around your pool area. You also want to steer clear of trees that drop leaves all season long. They only make pool maintenance more difficult.
You also want to think about the flowers use choose and their placement. We’re thinking bees and small children don’t mix!
These are good plants for around the pool:
- Evergreen trees
- Ornamental grasses
- Perennials
- Long-blooming flowers
- Ground cover
- Native plants
Get Your Tools
Be prepared and know what tools you have on hand and what you need to finish your project. Consider these tools:
- Wheelbarrow
- Rake
- Shovel – both large and small
- Broom
- Blower
- Sheers and trimmer
- Hose
- Gardening gloves – good quality
Prep Your Area
First, clean around your pool. Next, remove last season’s dead plantings and other debris and any spring weeds that have cropped up.
Rake your soil so it’s ready for planting.
Get your plants ready by gently removing them from their pots and lightly loosen the soil.
Start Planting
Using your sketch, lay out your beds and your pots. Then lay your plants where you’d like to place them making sure they have enough light and room to go in your chosen space.
Check with the tags on each plant for planting instructions as to how big of a hole you need.
Lighting
This can make a big difference to your nighttime ambiance.
Use solar lights as an easy way to add light around your pool. If you’re more technically savvy, you can add grounded lighting. Check at your local pool store for pool lighting options as well.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re done it’s time to relax and enjoy the view!
Don’t forget to make note of the watering needs of your new plantings so you can enjoy them all season long.
