When this client reached out to us, her backyard was filled with potential—and plenty of potted plants! After redoing the pool patio the previous year, the space was ready for a landscape makeover to bring it all together. With the beautiful oak trees in the background, this backyard had the bones of a serene retreat, but the scattered pots and lack of cohesive planting left it feeling unfinished.
The Vision: Our goal was to make the yard feel integrated, lush, and welcoming—a place where the family could relax poolside surrounded by beautiful greenery. We wanted to reuse as many of the client’s existing plants (and even artwork) as possible, getting them into the ground to add structure and flow. By incorporating additional plants, we aimed to create a harmonious palette that would thrive through the seasons.
The Process: We began by carefully assessing the client's collection of potted plants, selecting those that would blend well with the landscape. These plants were given new homes in thoughtfully arranged garden beds, where they could spread their roots and truly flourish. We also rearranged artwork and furniture to improve the flow of the backyard, making the space feel more open and inviting. This approach allowed us to create a natural flow from the patio to the surrounding landscape, enhancing the sense of depth and enclosure.
To complement these reused plants, we introduced a selection of flowering shrubs, vibrant perennials, and low-maintenance grasses. Our plant palette was designed to offer year-round interest, with layers of color and texture that would play beautifully against the backdrop of the mature oak trees.
The Result: The transformation is stunning! The backyard has come alive with a diverse array of plants that provide color, texture, and movement. The vibrant reds of the Crape Myrtles stand out against the greenery, adding height and framing the pool area. Flowering beds of perennials add seasonal blooms, while ornamental grasses bring soft movement, especially in the evening breeze.
The yard now has a cohesive look, blending existing and new plantings into a seamless, inviting space. With seating areas shaded by umbrellas and lush greenery all around, this backyard has truly become a private oasis for relaxation and enjoyment.
Why We Love This Project: This project shows how a few thoughtful changes—like rehoming existing plants and introducing a curated plant palette—can make a big difference. By grounding the potted plants, we gave them the space they needed to thrive and created a unified look that complements the natural beauty of the surroundings. It’s always a joy to help a client bring out the full potential of their outdoor space, especially when the results are as breathtaking as this! The best part of this installation for us was that it was the Secret Garden Landscapes crew that transformed this space.
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