If you’ve ever thought about transforming your garden into a tropical paradise, there’s no better way to start than by designing a tropical landscape around your home swimming pool. With the right plants, materials, and design elements, you can create a warm, lush sanctuary that feels a world away from the typical UK weather. This article will guide you through all the steps and ideas you need to consider to achieve this goal.
Choosing the Right Plants
The right tropical plants are key to achieving your tropical pool landscape. However, you need to select plants that not only look tropical but can thrive in the UK climate.
When it comes to choosing the right plants for your tropical landscape, think lush, large, and leafy. Palm trees are a popular choice due to their iconic tropical look, but they need to be hardy enough to survive the colder UK winter. The Trachycarpus fortunei, for instance, is known to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C.
Other plants that can help create a tropical feel include the evergreen shrub Fatsia japonica, with its palm-like leaves, and the striking Phormium tenax with its sword-shaped leaves.
Remember, a true tropical landscape isn’t just about trees and shrubs, you also need to consider smaller plants and flowers that will add pops of vibrant colour. Birds of paradise, passionflowers, and hibiscus are all great choices that can add to the tropical vibe.
Lastly, don’t forget about ground cover. Plants like ferns and hostas can fill in gaps and provide a lush, dense understorey.
Incorporating Water Features
Water features play a significant role in enhancing the tropical feel around your pool. They can come in a variety of forms, such as waterfalls, fountains, or even a simple stream.
Consider adding a waterfall to your pool, its constant motion will not only create a soothing sound but also help circulate the water in your pool. You may also want to install a fountain in your garden, with the sound of trickling water adding to the serene and calm ambiance of a tropical oasis.
Don’t rule out the idea of a small pond in your landscape design either. Ponds can be filled with colourful koi fish and surrounded by water-loving plants like water lilies and lotus for an additional touch of the tropics.
Designing Your Pool
When it comes to the design of your pool, there are many options available that can enhance the overall tropical feel of your outdoor space.
A freeform pool, for instance, can mimic the look of a natural lagoon. The irregular shape and curved lines make it feel more organic and less structured than a traditional rectangular pool. Consider adding a beach entry feature, where the pool gradually slopes from the deck into the water, similar to a natural beach.
The materials you choose can also contribute to a tropical look. Natural stone or pebble tec finishes can give your pool a more rustic, natural look, while adding elements like a rock grotto or a tiki-style pool house can further enhance the tropical theme.
Landscaping Ideas
Landscaping around your pool is another crucial aspect of achieving a tropical look. The goal here is to create a lush, dense landscape that envelops your pool and creates a sense of seclusion and privacy.
One idea is to build raised planters around your pool. This will add depth and dimension to your landscape, and provide the perfect place for your tropical plants. You could include different levels of planters to give your landscape more interest and variety.
Incorporate walkways and paths made from natural materials, like stone or gravel, to add more texture and interest to your landscape.
Another idea is to install outdoor lighting. This can showcase your tropical plants and water features, as well as provide a warm, inviting atmosphere for evening pool parties or late-night swims.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Lastly, consider the smaller details that will complete your tropical pool landscape. Comfortable, stylish outdoor furniture in natural materials like wicker or teak can create inviting places to relax by the pool.
Add tropical-themed decorations, like tiki torches or tropical print outdoor cushions, to reinforce the theme.
Don’t forget about pool-side amenities, like an outdoor shower, a bar area, or even a hammock. These will not only make your pool area more functional, but they also add to the overall tropical resort-like feel of your backyard.
Planning for Sun Exposure and Climate
Your tropical landscape design should also take into account the amount of sun exposure the area around the pool gets. Most tropical plants thrive in full sun to partial shade, but you need to understand how the sun moves across your garden to ensure the plants will get the adequate amount of light they need to flourish.
Investigate the microclimates within your backyard. Some areas may be protected from wind or frost, making them ideal locations for more tender tropical plants. Consider installing a hot tub in your tropical pool landscape. A hot tub can provide a warm, relaxing spot for year-round outdoor enjoyment, even in the colder UK weather.
Ornamental grasses can add movement and a soft texture to your pool landscape. They can also provide a beautiful backdrop for other tropical plants. Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’, Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’, and Cortaderia selloana (Pampas grass) are some of the hardy grasses that can survive in the UK and give your garden a tropical feel. These grasses can sway in the wind, further adding to the tropical ambiance.
Image credits are essential when planning your tropical landscape. Websites like Getty Images can provide a wealth of inspiration. Browse through photographs of tropical gardens and swimming pools, and don’t be afraid to incorporate elements that you find appealing into your pool design.
The Role of Landscape Architects
While it’s entirely possible to design and build your tropical landscape yourself, hiring a professional landscape architect can be beneficial. They have the knowledge and experience to ensure that your design is not only attractive but also functional and sustainable.
Landscape architects can advise on the optimal placement of plants, pathways, and features to create a harmonious flow in your outdoor space. They can help in selecting the right plants that will thrive in your garden’s specific conditions. They also understand how to create a balance between hard (like the swimming pool, pathways, furniture) and soft (like plants, grass) landscaping elements.
They can also advise on practical aspects like drainage, irrigation, and lighting, ensuring that your tropical garden is not only beautiful but easy to maintain.
With careful planning and the right choices, you can transform your backyard into a tropical paradise, right in the UK.
In Conclusion
Achieving a tropical landscape around your swimming pool in the UK is not an impossible task. With the right selection of hardy tropical plants, effective use of water features, thoughtful pool design, and careful landscaping, you can create your very own oasis. Whether you decide to undertake this project yourself or hire professional landscape architects, the key lies in understanding the specific conditions of your garden, from sun exposure to microclimates.
Remember, while tropical landscapes are about lush plantings and vibrant colours, they’re also about creating a certain atmosphere. Think of your tropical garden as an extension of your living room: a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. Add special touches like outdoor lighting, comfortable furniture, tropical-themed decorations, and pool-side amenities like a bar area or outdoor shower to enrich the experience.
The end result will be a tropical paradise that provides a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle, offering a sense of tranquillity and peace right in your backyard. Your pool area will not only be a place to cool off during the summer months but also a cosy nook to enjoy year-round, a testament to the transformative power of good garden design.
