With years of experience in creating professional landscapes across the South Jersey area, Beechwood Landscape Architecture and Construction, LLC is the regions premiere landscape design-build professionals.

A well landscaped property with architecturally designed gardens, pools and exterior living spaces is an excellent investment in ones property and quality of living! Integration of your interior home with a seamless design to the outside can be created by Beechwoods team of landscape architects, horticulturists and landscape designers. Whether dining al fresco by the pool, enjoying lazy summer days or casual evenings by the fire pit, a well conceived plan will reap years of enjoyment!

In our experience, the true success of any landscape project depends upon the implementation of a well thought out combination of design criteria and ideas. As landscape architects, we are educated and trained to develop effective solutions for exterior spaces, circulation and spatial relationship of all elements affecting the final design. Our team of designers will work hard to ensure that your property will bring you years of enjoyment and fulfillment.

Our professional landscape architects and designers can walk you through the entire landscape design process and with the ability to coordinate all aspects of the construction phase. Getting started on your landscape design is easy call Beechwood at 609-801-1252 to speak with one of our landscape architects today.

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Landscape Architects-Contractors- NJ Hardscaping-Pool ...

by Tim Sanford on 03/24/11

So the question I keep hearing from customers is "What materials can we use for our pool decking because we dont want concrete!" Finally people are looking for new, natural ways to surround their pools. The old, cracked white concrete is out and has made way for all sorts of new natural (and some man-made) materials. We are using everything from- bluestone to travertine to concrete pavers- it helps incorporate the pool into our customer's existing landscapes. If you are looking for something beyond the old, boring white concrete, here are a few different pool deck materials to consider.

I also wanted to mention that if you have a concrete pool deck and are looking to jazz it up with another material, you can always overlay your existing pool deck with one of the materials listed above. You don't even have to pull up the concrete; it can go right over the top! An easy fix for a dated pool. Check out our earlier blog on how to create a new look for your pool.

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Trends in Pool Deck Materials : Ask the Landscape Guy

Click here to get your FREE EBOOK on trees and get exclusive, professional tips for your landscape.

Pool landscape designs that are lush and colorful add to the beauty of the swimming pool area. But how do you create a pool landscape design that will look well with your new swimming pool?

Adding trees will make the area cozier...ornamental trees add color and interest while larger trees can add shade to certain areas. Shrubs provide textures, color an height. Perennials add beautiful summer color! Integrate these different types of plants to achieve a great design.

You can mix in evergreen and flowering deciduous shrubs. The evergreen shrubs will provide interest when viewing the area in the winter.

Include Trees Around the Pool (Don't be Afraid of the Leaves - Pool Will Be Closed by That Time!)

The flowering shrubs will provide color in the summer when you are enjoying your swimming pool landscape.

Plant in groups. Seven flowering shrubs will make a more exciting picture than two or three.

Perennials will give lots of color also.

You can select low maintenance perennials so that you can enjoy your swimming pool design and not be constantly tending to the plants!

I would suggest including some broadleaf evergreen shrubs in your pool landscape design also. However, many of these require some shade and often pools are located in sunny areas. If you do have some shady areas, include some broadleaf evergreen shrubs, such as Rhododendron, Cherry Laurel, Mountain Laurel and Japanese Andromeda.

There is a nice evergreen shrub that will take sun or shade and that is Blue Holly. It does not flower, but it does provide wonderful red berries in the Fall.

Consider adding a few ornamental trees to your pool landscape design. They will add color and interest. In addition, they will provide height and scale to the project. A swimming pool is large and you need some garden trees to make it feel it belongs in the landscape.

You might include a flowering cherry tree, such as the Weeping Cherry Tree. A Dogwood tree is also a nice addition. For texture and for a tree that is not bulky, River Birch is a nice choice. There are many to choose from. The point is...include them!

Shade is almost a must in your backyard pool landscape. Don't be afraid to use large shade trees. Just don't plant them too close to the pool. Shade trees will still provide shade if planted a fair distance away due to their ultimate large size.

If you do need a tree for shade very close to the pool, select a smaller type. Crapemyrtle is one flowering tree that works well and can be planted close to the pool paving.

For a more elaborate design, consider an outdoor pergola.

Mulch all the planting beds with a minimum of three inches of hardwood shredded bark. This will conserve the water in the ground for the plants and also help to prevent weeds.

Speaking of weeds, there are products available that prevent or deter weeds from growing. They work well, as I have used them myself. Sprinkle them on your planting beds in the early Spring. They do have to be re-applied a couple of times throughout the season. The product I use is called Preen.

Some other interesting pages I have written with great information concerning swimming pools are the following:

Swimming Pool Fencing

Swimming Pool Decking

You might also like to visit my page on Pictures of Swimming Pools.

It is not necessary to have a walk leading up to your swimming pool. You can walk through grass. However, walkways do provide some practicality, as they eliminate tracking grass from wet feet into the house.

Walkway paving materials should blend well with the pool paving. You can choose the pool paving and the walkway paving to be the same or you can use materials that compliment each other.

Pool Paving is Tumbled Pavers

Pool Back Wall is Natural Stone Plantings Cascade Over the Wall

Although not something that is a must, it is advantageous to select paving that is cool to the touch....that means cool on your feet! Travertine pavers are an excellent choice. They are also quite beautiful.

If you have a pool waterfall, plant behind it so that it looks natural. Add shrubs that are loose, such as Cotoneaster. Add trees behind it too! One Weeping Cherry tree or three White Birch look wonderful. As always, know your planting zone and check zones of particular plants.

Does your pool have a spa? Hug it in with plantings in your pool landscape design to make you feel secluded while sitting in your spa. Make it part of your swimming pool landscape.

Great pool landscape designs should create a garden like setting for your swimming pool. The addition of lots of shrubs, flowering and ornamental trees, shade trees and perennials will help to create a lovely swimming pool landscape.

Consider a Professional Online Landscape Design

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"Susan, what a pleasure it was to work with you. You made me feel like I was your only client - responding late at night and always so quickly! Your design is amazing and we only hope we can do justice to it when we plant. You have such fantastic ideas and you are so open to suggestions and changes. Loved working with you - now if you could only come to Canada and plant it!!!" Helen, Ontario-Canada

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Pool Landscape Designs | Tips and Ideas

Many people in Carroll County, and around Maryland, are opening up their pools for the year, so we at Westminster Lawn Landscape Supply Yards wanted to post an article with some landscaping ideas around pools.

A swimming pool can be the social centerpiece to the summer for your friends and your family, so its worth putting that extra effort into making it a beautiful and inviting waterscape.

Mulch and landscape stone can turn your pool into an attractive garden space, making your yard into the perfect summer hangout, however you should make sure youre using the right materials, in the right kind of combination.

While mulch is a great landscaping material for placing around plants, be careful not to place a mulched area too close to the water. It can be very effective to have mulched plant life around the perimeter of your pool, as a transition from the pool to your lawn, but take into consideration what happens when gusty winds blow.

[quote]Make sure theres enough distance, and preferably a buffer of landscape stone, statuary, and even a fence to ensure that mulch wont blow into your pristine pool water.[/quote]

1 Pure Red Landscape Stone, with its deep brick red color, blends well with other accents at this home. This particular setting has ample concrete immediately bordering the water, providing a smooth walking area (click here for a coupon for stamped concrete designs around pools).

Between the concrete paving and the lawn, you can create a hardscape wall filled with the decorative red stone, which provides drainage from water runoff from the concrete.

If you have a retaining wall, or fenced border, you can finish this off further with another bed of red stone to allow for easier mowing along the fence line.

Different pool settings will have different needs. Areas without concrete, that may come into contact with bare feet, will require a smoother, rounded stone. Brown Landscape Stone is another option, but it is recommended that you use a larger size, either 1 or 2, which will be less likely to blow when using a hand blower to clean leaves and debris from the beds. The smallest size, , is also referred to as Pea Gravel, and would be too small to use a hand blower to clean out debris.

A very popular option is River Jacks, which are multi-colored and smooth, and lend a very tasteful appearance to waterscape settings. Besides their natural beauty, these smooth rounded stones are easy on bare feet, as well.

Be sure to prep the area where the beds will be by removing or killing all weeds with an herbicide like Roundup. Then lay a thick black landscaping plastic down and spread the stone 3 4 deep. The beds will be easy to maintain and provide many years of landscaping beauty.

Consider plants that wont produce a great deal of debris for your planting. Common choices include upright yews, which do not have large leaves, but shed fine needles, instead. Blue rug junipers are another low-growing option.

Shrubbery should be pruned in fall or early spring while plants are dormant, and the cover is still on your pool. Errant weeds that pop up can be hand-weeded or sprayed with Roundup.

Hand weeding leaves a cleaner appearance, but be sure to get the roots, or they will return. An herbicide will kill the entire weed down to the roots, and the dead weed debris can be removed later.

Take a look at our list of landscape stone products below, and then click here to contact us for more information on delivery and pricing!

$79 per yard - $57 per 1/2 yard

Smooth, round tan/cream colored landscape stone. Used for decorative landscaping, walkways, and around pools and waterscapes.

$120 per yard - $75 per 1/2 yard

Natural brick red stone. Used for decorative landscaping, walking paths, and driveways.

$120 per yard - $75 per 1/2 yard

Smooth, round multi-colored stones. River jacks are used for decorative landscaping, around pools and waterscapes.

$120 per yard - $75 per 1/2 yard

Smooth, round multi-colored landscape stones. Used for decorative landscaping and around pools and waterscapes.

$49 per yard - $36 per 1/2 yard

White / grey landscape stone used for driveways, under buildings or sheds, drainage, under decks, and for concrete work.

$49 per yard - $36 per 1/2 yard

White / grey stone used for driveways, under buildings or sheds, drainage, under decks, and for concrete work.

$79 per yard - $57 per 1/2 yard

Smooth, rand tan/cream-colored landscape stones. Used for decorative landscaping, walkways, and around pools and waterscapes.

$42 per yard - $32 per 1/2 yard

Screened topsoil mixed with compost-enriched soil. Great for gardens, lawn seeding, and flower beds.

$53 per yard - $40 per 1/2 yard

Concrete sand for all of your ready mix concrete needs.

$49 per yard - $36 per 1/2 yard

Crusher run stone packs well and is good for driveways. Also good for patios, walls, and walkway bases.

$27 per yard - $20 per 1/2 yard

A mix of organic material sifted through a 1/2" screen. Soil enriching shredded compost, great for gardens and flower beds.

$33 per yard - $23 per 1/2 yard

Topsoil that has not been screened. May contain stones and roots.

$39 per yard - $29 per 1/2 yard

Dark, rich topsoil. Sifted through a 1/2" screen to remove stones.

$37 per yard - $27 per 1/2 yard

Clean wood playground chips double ground. School Board Approved for impact resistance.

Images courtesy of Lee Emmons and Absolute Perfection Media

Westminster Lawn Service Landscape Supply Yards is your garden supplier for landscape stone in the Westminster, Maryland area, providing delivery to Mt. Airy 21771, New Windsor 21776, Sykesville 21784, Taneytown 21787, Union Bridge 21791, Woodbine 21797, Woodsboro 21798, Rocky Ridge 21778, Emmitsburg 21727, Finksburg 21048, Hampstead 21074, Henryton 21080, Lineboro 21088 21764, Manchester 21102, Marriotsville 21104, Reisterstown 21136, Upperco 21155, Westminster 21157 21158, Keymar 21757, Finksburg 21048, Hampstead 21074, Henryton 21080, Lineboro 21088 21764, Manchester 21102, Marriotsville 21104, Reisterstown 21136, Upperco 21155, Westminster 21157 21158, Keymar 21757, Mt. Airy 21771, New Windsor 21776, Sykesville 21784, Taneytown 21787, Union Bridge 21791, Woodbine 21797, Woodsboro 21798, Rocky Ridge 21778, Emmitsburg 21727.

Our Hanover, Pennsylvania Landscape Supply Yard provides delivery of landscape stone to New Oxford 17350, Brodbecks 17329, Glen Rock 17327, New Freedom 17349, Block Rock, Bonneauville, Fairfield, Glenville, Jefferson, Lake Meade, Porter, Seven Valleys, Thomasville, Dover 17315, Hanover 17331, Gettysburg 17325, Ortanna 17353, Abbotstown 17301, Spring Grove 17362, Littlestown 17340, East Berlin 17316, Biglerville 17307, York Springs 17372.

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Landscaping Ideas Around Pools - Landscape Stone Carroll ...

Welcome to Desert Landscaping and Pools

Whether you have a dramatic design in mind or if you are looking for a face-lift for your property, you can trust the experts and desert landscaping and pools.

Landscaping is more than just the arrangement of plants, flowers, trees and shrubs, it is an interpretation of your personal style and a visual collaboration between your home and your outdoor space.

While other companies send employees to do the work, each of our projects are managed by our owner. We set high standards for excellence and we go above and beyond to meet our clients needs. In order to satisfy each of our clients needs and we keep constant communication with and we design our services around each of their needs.

We provide professional grade landscaping and are always on call and available when you need us. Contact us today by utilizing our contact form or give us a call today at

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Desert Landscaping & Pools | AZ's landscaping experts

If you have an above ground pool, why not do some landscaping for the above ground pool? Look at it as an interesting landscaping opportunity. At the least, if you are landscaping for above ground pools, the first thing you have to think about is a deck to access the pool. And a deck has plenty of decorative possibilities. The landscaping for above ground pools often includes plants around the pools perimeter and something growing on the deck itself.

Decking The Walls

Okay, it is possible to not build a deck for your pool. They can sell you a ladder that fits over the edge for pool access. But not only is that not a pretty solution, it is impractical. The pool is not just for swimming, it is also for lounging. Good landscaping for above ground pools must include a place for parents to sit while they watch their kids, a place to jump out and play Marco Polo and a clean place to dry off before going in the house.

The deck does not have to be very big or elaborate. Something as small as a ten by ten foot platform is enough for a few deck chairs. Some people end up making a deck that completely encircles the pool. Either way, if you are handy enough, this is an easy do-it-yourself landscaping project for above ground pools. Otherwise, the pool company can recommend builders.

Also, some people recommend constructing a fence around the pool. If you have very young children (or young children run around in your neighborhood), consider a fence. The fence can be a decorative part of the landscape. For example, hang decorations or plant vines around it.

Creating An Oasis As Landscaping For Above Ground Pools

The plants for landscaping above ground pools must be able to take full sun, and even an occasional splash of chlorine water.

If you plan to put shrubs around the pools perimeter, choose something that stays short and rarely needs pruning. Landscaping for above ground pools involves avoiding plants that can drop leaves or debris into the water. And if you are pruning near the pool, some of those cuttings are going to end up clogging your filter. And do not select a shrub that will grow so fast it blocks access to the pool machinery.

Adding tropical-looking flowers to the deck is a great oasis touch. Pick plants that can take the full sun. Canna lilies are a good choice for landscaping for above ground pools. Something like lantanas are pretty too, but they may be prone to dropping flowers into the water.

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Ideas For Landscaping For Above Ground Pools

The options in pool landscaping are limited only by your imagination. Your swimming pool's shape, size and design will be the focal point of your landscaping design. From that starting point, it is important to combine practicality with aesthetics for a backyard that truly reflects your personality and taste.

Making choices about pool landscaping isn't always easy. You can choose curved walkways and rounded flower beds, or a design that is entirely linear and straight. The pool landscaping can coincide with the shape of the pool or it can be entirely different to contrast. Landscaping around a pool can be minimalist or wildly eclectic, involving simple designs or ones that incorporate garden art, ponds, stone pathways and sitting areas.

There are four important considerations when creating your pool landscaping plan:

Personal Considerations in Pool Landscaping Define what you want to use your garden or patio space for. Your space, furniture and design will be affected by whether you use it for reading, relaxing, playing or entertaining.

If relaxation is your goal, consider soft flower colors and perhaps a hammock. If entertaining is your purpose, consider a built-in fireplace or fully equipped barbecue plus a large patio and a spacious lawn to better accommodate guests.

Personal taste is absolutely important and yard art will define a theme and tone around your pool. If you love the sounds of nature, consider wind chimes, bird baths or feeders. Ponds and fountains are also great for relaxing and soothing noise.

Environmental Considerations in Pool Landscaping Your pool landscaping design will depend on whether your backyard has any physical or architectural limitations. These include hills, irrigation or telephone poles. For slopes or hills, retaining walls or a raised deck may need to be part of the design.

Environmental factors will also determine your backyard's look. A patio should also have wonderful view and be situated out of the wind. Placing a patio close to your house will be the most practical. Also, think where you receive sunlight and at what times. Sun exposure will determine plants, shrubs and awnings. If privacy is a concern, fencing, trellises, vines, ivy and hedges may need to be considered.

Pool Decks and Patios The type of patio or pool deck that you choose on will probably affect certain landscaping elements. Patio and deck materials are crucial. Wood is the most common material used in decks. For pool patios, concrete, brick, cobblestone and marble can be used. A deck or patio should be non-slipping and cool to walk on as well as aesthetically enhancing. Wooden decks work well with wooden trellises or privacy screens and matching flower boxes. A concrete pool patio will better match stone fountains and concrete art.

Advertiser Links for Pool Fountains

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Pool Landscaping Ideas - Swimming Pools

Include Shade

Relief from the sun, usually with trees, is an almost must-have when it comes to pool landscaping. The one tree trait you want to avoid, says Catriona Tudor Erler, author of Poolscaping (Storey Publishing, 2003), is a towering plant that sheds a lot. "Trees that are less likely to shed will make pool maintenance easier," Tudor Erler says. If the tree does shed, place it so that branches won't grow to hang over the pool's edge. In warmer climates, a good choice is a palm tree, which sheds little and has a small root ball.

Although pool landscaping should include some shade either nearby on the pool's pad or at one end of the water, trees should have less-aggressive root systems, Tudor Erler says, to avoid uprooting any hardscaping.

Starting pool landscaping from scratch certainly has its advantages. But that doesn't mean you can't redo an old pool landscape using the same plant suggestions and tips. As a key element, Tudor Erler relies on including a small planting pocket garden right next to the pool -- a little corner or small bed to offer color and provide visual relief.

Try a tidy ornamental grass such as feather reedgrass, which can reach 4 feet and has flowering stems in late spring or early summer.

If your pool landscaping features a more natural appearance with surrounding rocks or irregular pavers, it's good to fill the in-between hardscape spaces with plants that soften, grow low, and spread, such as groundcovers.

Containers are a blue-ribbon choice to dress up pool landscaping, particularly if you lack the budget, time, or desire to change your permanent landscape. The one caveat: Tudor Erler recommends containers that match the scale of your pool.

Because pools -- even if they are elevated slightly -- are so strongly horizontal, it's helpful to add a big raised bed next to the pool, Tudor Erler says. "The planting beds don't have to be right up against the pool," she says, since shedding blooms and foliage can add to pool maintenance. "A well-done pool landscaping will have all kinds of floral interest, drama, and height."

Raised beds aren't the only addition that can add vertical height to a swimming pool landscape; containers filled with dwarf trees or shrubs can provide height, too. "Another idea is to stack containers in diminishing height and fill with cascading plants," Tudor Erler says.

Try a dwarf variety of burning bush, a deciduous shrub with leaves that turn red in autumn.

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Pool Landscaping Inspiration - Better Homes and Gardens ...

Santa Clarita Pool Home for Sale
20364 Lisa Gail Drive, Saugus CA, 91350 http://www.searchallproperties.com/listings/2067715/20364-Lisa-Gail-Drive-Saugus-CA/auto Supreme Curb Appeal. Lush Landscape. Pool with custom ...

By: Connor T. MacIVOR

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Santa Clarita Pool Home for Sale - Video

New Landscape Design Around Pool

By: Pool Design Ideas

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New Landscape Design Around Pool - Video