From Pot To Perfection
Your pool is more than just a place to swim; it’s the centrepiece of your outdoor oasis. Whether cooling off, playing with the kids or unwinding with a cocktail, it’s a special retreat. To truly enhance its beauty and tranquility, the surrounding area should complement the pool’s features. Josephine Day from Sydney Pool + Outdoor Design chats with Gavin Bazley, director of Aquastone Pools and Landscapes, to explore how choosing the right plants and landscaping can create the perfect poolside environment, adding to both the aesthetic and serenity of your outdoor space.
We all know it can be tough to get into gardening, and the thought of where to even begin can feel overwhelming. However, creating the perfect backyard setting doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems. Sometimes, all it takes is adding a few plants here and there to elevate your space and highlight your pool. Established in 1996, Aquastone Pools and Landscapes is a Sydney-based company specialising in new build concrete pools, pool renovations and landscaping. Operated by brothers
Gavin and Scott Bazley, this family-owned business has mastered the art of transforming ordinary outdoor spaces into extraordinary ones. So slip, slop on some sunscreen, slap on your hat and sunnies and get ready to turn your poolside into a dream oasis with these expert tips!
PLANTING YOUR PARADISE
The pool is sparkling, the water looks inviting, you’re ready to take a swim, but often the landscaping and what plants to include aren’t given much thought. Unlike typical gardens, pool landscaping requires careful planning, especially when choosing plants.
With so many options available, it can be exhausting. In Australia, where the climate can dramatically swing between hot and cool weather, it’s crucial to pick plants that thrive in sunny, high moisture environments. Bazley suggests starting with measuring the width of your garden bed to narrow down plant options. Ensuring the garden bed is healthy and well-protected is equally important, with good drainage being a priority to avoid waterlogging. He recommends using Syzygium paniculatum ‘Backyard Bliss’ as a smaller shrub for screening fences, while Rhaphiolepis ‘Snow Maiden’ is another ideal choice. For narrow garden beds, Trachelospermum Jasminoides “Chinese Star Jasmine” works well to hide a boundary fence.
For poolside areas, Bazley highlights the Dragon Tree, which thrives in well-drained areas andmakes an excellent feature plant. He also suggests, “Cactus and Succulents such as Agave’s and Blue Chalk Sticks thrive in sunny positioning and are generally pretty tough when it comes to getting some water splashed from the pool.”
SERENE SPACES
Owning a swimming pool offers numerous benefits, with relaxation being one of the primary advantages. The ability to unwind, reduce stress and anxiety, and lower blood pressure makes it a sought-after feature for many homeowners. However, these benefits can be enhanced even further with the inclusion of water features, as the soothing sound of moving water can make the experience feel more natural and immersive. Whether it’s a gentle waterfall fountain or a playful splash zone for children, water features are key elements that can elevate your space. Hence, these deserve to be highlighted in your landscaping, as they truly are feature pieces. To achieve the best effect, Bazley suggests incorporating garden lighting to accentuate these areas, as it can make a water feature stand out, especially at night. Further mentioning, “I like the use of natural stones for around a water feature, and decorative gravel with some soft planting near the water feature.” However, he emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, especially when it comes to cabling for lighting and other features. “I believe the biggest mistake people make is not planning soon enough and adding provisions for cabling into feature walls, water features, piers etc. Once these things are built, it’s often hard to get cabling in.” Beyond water features, the hardscaping around the pool is also crucial. A comfortable, walkable space is essential, as this is where you’ll spend most of your time. Bazley recommends using natural stone pavers like Travertine, Limestone, Marble, Granite and
Bluestone around pools, as they’re not only visually appealing but also cool underfoot and slip-resistant, ensuring comfort and safety for those hot summer days.
LEAF YOUR WORRIES BEHIND
Maintaining your outdoor area is just as important as looking after the home itself, especially when the outdoor conditions can be demanding. Finding durable, weather-resistant products that are easy to clean can be a challenge, but Bazley offers some helpful, landscaper advice. When selecting materials for your outdoor space, he emphasises that they should be low-maintenance and resistant to damage from pool chemicals and staining from plants or leaves. “Check if the chosen product can handle the elements of being in a pool environment,” Bazley advises, adding that all natural stone should be sealed with a penetrating sealer for added durability. For those who don’t like cleaning, Bazley suggests creating a low-maintenance, lush outdoor space using exotic plants like Cacti and succulents, along with feature trees such as the Magnolia Evergreen “Teddy Bear.” Decorative pebbles in garden beds surrounding the pool can also enhance the aesthetic without much upkeep. To keep your pool area clean, Bazley recommends opting for Evergreen instead of Deciduous trees, which drop large amounts of debris. Finally, understanding your space and choosing the right plants for your pool is crucial. For example, a topical or freeform pool pairs well with tropical plants, while a modern pool complements formal planting. If space is limited, Bazley suggests using pots with plants to maximise the area around a smaller pool, offering both greenery and practicality.
Images courtesy of Aquastone Pools & Landscapes
