My wife and I are deep, deep into planning a remake of our backyard, complete with pool and jacuzzi. I am in research mode at this point and here are some ideas I would like to add to TGs which were excellent:
– try to have a small patio and bench next to the spa as it will come in handy when dropping the robe etc and for encouraging those not ready to get in to sit and chat (and maybe get brave enough to join).
– make sure the bbq is close to where you predict the center of action to be…else the cook will feel isolated and unwanted.
– don’t go overboard with the trees. Made that mistake at my last house and now it is a forest back there with no grass growing. The roots are causing current owner nightmares. If any trees at all, make sure they don’t get big.
– current design looks very orderly…strip of grass, strip of pool, strip of trees. Try shaking it up a little…what I would probably do is add a few bushes or smaller trees at the left edge of the pic in the grass area, right up against the cement. That will add visual interest and give a much more “3d” effect as you walk from the house to the pool…people will slowly get a glimpse at what is on that obscured portion of the patio (and wouldn’t that make a nice place for a few small wicker couches with cushions? (Go to the bar area at Hacienda de Vega to see what I’m talking about)
– To reiterate, pick smaller trees that don’t get too big or tall…since you are not blocking neighbors views into back yard, you want to keep as much of that glorious sky visible as possible. You’ve got a golden opportunity to keep things open that most lots don’t have. Personally, the big tree w/pinkish flowers on the right I would move to the far left…love the tree but would rather have the view on the right side of the pool. That’s why I’d move it left. I’d put the small patio/bench I was talking about where that tree is now.
– I think a few hundred bucks of designers time is well worth the money. I am laying out “the basics” as listed above for my yard, but want to see what gorgeous designs they will throw our way…I’ve lived with my own ideas for decades now…time to sh-sh-shake things up.
Anyway, love the plants you picked and the yard…good luck with it all and I’ll be following in your footsteps…
