Hanging by the pool

Design by Ian Barker Garden Design

Constructed by Ian Barker Landscapes

From the landscape designers:

There’s nothing quite like creating a space that makes people say ‘wow’ when they walk into it, and we’re proud to say that we think this project fits that category exceptionally well.

Though beautiful, this landscape design wasn’t without its challenges.

One of the key requirements was to integrate a pool, and after much consideration of the site, our design team decided to place this at the top of the steep slope. 

This allowed for a designated entertaining area around the pool, separate from the lower level, and provided the ability to create a stunning open pergola draped in Parthenocissus tricuspidata – Boston Ivy – which the eye is drawn to  immediately as you enter the garden.

We opted for a soft planting palette to disguise the high pool wall, using the elevation to our advantage. 

We planted stunning Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’ trees underplanted with fragrant Trachelospermum asiaticum along the wall and above in the pool area.

The trees bloom in late summer and provide brilliant colours throughout autumn. 

Beneath the wall, we planted Heliotrope ‘Lord Roberts’, which provides enough height to cover the pool wall, and underplanted with Vinca minor, Liriope ‘Munroe White’, Iris germanica ‘White’ and Dichondra repens around the sawn bluestone steppers.

We added a Prunus lustanica hedge along the fenceline and utilised the existing Viburnum tinus hedge next to the spa. 

To disguise the fence leading down the side of the property, we planted an evergreen climber, Ficus pumila.

While this garden looks lush and full of stunning plant life, it’s also full of evergreen and low-maintenance plants, allowing our homeowners to enjoy their garden rather than spending their days raking up.

Designed by: Ian Barker Garden Design

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Claire Takacs