By Zavian Camacho
Design trends come and go, but natural stone is one outdoor living design element which has stood the test of time and never goes out of style. Natural or artificial stone adds beauty and sophistication as well as form, texture, and dimension to outdoor living—especially when it comes to integrating swimming pools into the backyard. Whether clients want to add a waterfall feature, a grotto, jumper rocks, coping stones, submerged rocks, or rocks around fire pits and outdoor cooking areas, the look of stone and rock helps integrate the surrounding nature with the swimming pool.
Integrating textures into the landscape
Using multiple textures in landscaping adds interest and “pulls in” the natural environment, including any plants, around the pool. Using multiple rock textures in landscaping design adds even more interest. To integrate rocks into a landscape, place plants or greenery specifically around any artificial rock, as it would blend and start to look real.
Adding landscaping around any water feature also gives the water feature itself a more finished look. Incorporating natural elements, such as pockets of plants, will soften the edges and provide more of an oasis effect. Some builders are even creating “cenotes” around pools, as they offer a more dramatic look by creating a low-profile cave which fully integrates into the pool and into the surrounding landscape, both inside and outside the cenote cave.
Planning pockets of plants in the deck area and around a waterfall or cenote can help connect the landscaping into the backyard—creating a biophilic atmosphere. Builders and landscapers should choose plants that complement the home and existing backyard environment and consult with local nurseries, so they can avoid choosing plants that drop leaves or debris close to the pool edge.
Water features tie together the hardscape of the pool to the softscape of the backyard. Some landscapers have even added cast concrete stone on the backside of water features to create herb gardens for their clients. These water features accomplish multiple goals: they visually block out neighbours, offer privacy, provide a tranquil “white noise” coming from the water flowing down the water feature, and create a serene and relaxing space.
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