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.

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.

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Landscaping Ideas Around Pools - Landscape Stone Carroll County MD ...

Mahwah, NJ (PRWEB) November 02, 2013

On October 18, 2013, the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA), bestowed several awards of excellence to the top pool designers in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, who exhibited ingenuity and innovation in the design and implementation of custom swimming pools within the past year. This year, the Landscape Architecture division of Bergen County, NJs, Cipriano Landscape Design, won the coveted Best Of Competition Award, which celebrated their incredible feat in designing a 1700s era Stradivarius violin replica pool, in Bedford, NY.

The Cipriano Landscape Design's Architecture office faced extraordinarily challenging obstacles during the designing stages of the Bedford, NY violin pool. William Moore, Ciprianos primary NJ Landscape Architect, has had more than 15 years of experience designing intricate pools and landscapes, and explained that what made the violin pool so tough to design, was the fact that it had to be shaped into the exact parameters of a violina very recognizable item. Moore explained that when a pool has free form, it is treated as something that has its own identity, and as such can be altered to fit as needed. The violin shape however, is comprised of complex curves and corners that must match a violin shape exactly, and they must be completely symmetrical on both the left and right sides of the pool. The pool was designed with every detail of the Stradivarius, including the chinrest, strings, a tail piece, f-holes, purfling, and a bridge. To take it a step further, the violin pool houses within it three separate bodies of water: the pool itself, a perimeter overflow spa designed as the chinrest of the violin, along with the bow which straddles the neck of the violin, which is designed as two koi ponds.

The entire violin pool was finished in nearly half a million individual translucent glass tiles, which were designed in a unique 4-way gradient pattern. Generally, a gradient color blend of glass tiles only transitions in one direction from a centerline, going either north and south or east and west. The glass tiles in the violin pool however, are a custom designed gradient blend that transitions in every direction. In order to attain this noteworthy result, Ciprianos Landscape Architecture office along with the tile manufacturer assigned gradient values to the sheets of tile, which were then numbered from 1-15 based on the gradient transition. They then had to map out in Auto Cad every single sheet of tile on the pool floor, in order to ensure that there was a consistent color transition from the center of the pool to the various distances of the pool walls.

The strings of the violin that run down the center of the pool floor are comprised of jet-black translucent tiles that demarcate the lap lanes during the day, while the fiber optics continue to do so at night. The strings are interlaced with 5760 strands of fiber optics, which beautifully illuminate the strings at night. The infrastructure design of the fiber optics was also quite detailed, as there were 2 rows of 18 conduits installed prior to steel and gunite, which ran evenly down the center of the pool. The conduits came up through the pool floor within the proposed gradient tile design, which allowed space to weave the strands within the joints of the tile. The strings were three tiles wide, and every other row had three fiber strands. The interweaving of the glass tiles together with the fiber optics while still maintaining the exterior aesthetic beauty was astonishingly complex, but well worth the effort.

The NJ landscape architecture office also designed a fiber optic rope lighting detail that illuminates the entire perimeter of the violin pool. The rope lighting (350 feet of fiber optics), are lit by two, 150 watt illuminators. The fiber optic rope was also designed to be countersunk beneath the coping in order to conceal it from those swimming in the pool.

The 12-person perimeter overflow spa is located on the chinrest of the violin, is finished entirely in jet-black glass tiles, and boasts its own LED lighting which is separate the pools fiber optic lighting. It is a perimeter overflow spa, which means that the water within the spa conveys the illusion that the water is infinitely flowing over all of the edges into both the pool on one side, and the patio stone on the other. In all actuality however, the water overflowing from the spa is being collected in a discreet trough, and is re-circulated back into the spa. A creative use of the violin chinrest with this difficult element of design made this one-of-a-kind project even more dynamic.

The musically inspired design of the violin and the homeowners enjoyment of koi, evolved into the integration of the bow of the violin as two ponds that intersect the neck of the violin pool. These ponds are filled with numerous koi fish, which can project the illusion of swimming together in the pool to the underwater swimmer through two acrylic panels. The pond was further designed with multiple platforms in order to hold lily pads, water irises, and various other aquatic plants. This ensured that the view of the ponds from outside the pool would be very aesthetically pleasing, just as looking at the ponds through the acrylic panels from inside the pool would be. After dark this connection is even more incredible with the bather able to view the 250 twinkling fiber optic star-lights on the floor of the pond from inside the pool.

Incorporating the acrylic viewing panels was quite challenging due to a large variety of skilled craftsman having to work together at precisely the same time. Once the forms were set, the steel reinforcement had to be mounted, concrete then needed to be applied to form the window casing, then waterproofing measures were installed, followed by having tile and pond surfacing applied up to the edge of the window. The coordination had to be impeccable in order for the installation to take place successfully, and ultimately, it was.

Overall, installing the aforementioned features were only a few of the challenges that were triumphantly overcome by the Cipriano Landscape Architects design team. The difficulties they encountered where unlike any other experienced before in the luxury pool industry, yet through it all they prevailed, and the finished product is truly breathtaking. The Bedford, NY, violin pool also won NESPAs Gold award for Glass Tiled Pools, the Peoples Choice Award, as well as the Best in Competition Award for its innovative design, and stunning results.

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Bergen County, NJ Landscape Architecture Office Wins 2013 Best ...

There's More To It than Planting Flowers

Landscaping is about more than just planting a few flowers and bushes around your pool. It's about planning and creating a pool environment thats easy to get to and hard to leave. Your first step is to get inspired. It can be a movie, a native flower or a planter you just couldnt resist. You can also find inspiration from different gardening styles. Just find ideas you love and build from there.

Next, design your deck and plan your walkways. After the pool itself, your deck is the foundation for your landscape design. Walkways are important, too you want to make access to your pool area easy so your plants dont get trampled.

Now its time to start planting! Youll want to choose plants that will flourish in your geographic area, so check with your local nurseries before you buy. You can also enlist the help of a professional landscape designer. Either way, it helps to know the lingo and the common pitfalls to avoid.

With the right information, inspired ideas and, perhaps, a fabulous landscape designer, youre on your way to creating a lush and beautiful environment that adds depth and color to your back yard and more enjoyment to your pool. Love your view as much as you love your pool! For even more inspired landscaping ideas, visit Yardbuilder.com.

Where you live, how much you entertain, and how you like to relax will help guide your decision on what to include in your backyard landscaping plans. The key to great outdoor entertaining is making sure that you and your guests feel just as comfortable as they would be indoors.

Turn your backyard pool area into an entertainment retreat with a lounging and eating area or a refreshment bar along with a hot tub. Add a pergola or gazebo for extra shade and privacy, a trickling waterfall, and a patio area complete with bar and grill and you'll never have to leave your home for an exotic winter vacation.

Not too long ago, if you wanted to entertain outdoors without leaving the comfort of your home, you would break out the charcoal, the lighter fluid, the hibachi or the old three-legged grill.

Today the line between indoor and outdoor entertaining has become increasingly blurred. Outdoor entertaining truly has the potential to be the ultimate in luxury and convenience. Outdoor barbeque island designs are varied enough to range from meeting the most basic demands to gourmet islands fit for the most talented chefs. These high-end barbeque islands can house a wide range of appliances like drop-in or slide-in gas grills, refrigerators, ice makers, sinks, wet bars, warmers, and ovens as well as provide ample space for preparing food and storing dinnerware.

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Landscaping | Swimmingpool.com - The Ultimate Swimming Pool ...

Privacy, safety, beauty and convenience are some of the considerations to keep in mind when landscaping around swimming pools.

Plants provide beauty and privacy around a swimming pool. They soften the harsh lines of swimming pool equipment and help swimming pools to blend more naturally with the surrounding environment. If you grow plants that are tall enough, they will form privacy screens around the pool area. But plants must be chosen wisely. Strive for low-maintenance plants. For instance, you don't wan't large deciduous trees around a swimming pool, as you'll end up fishing all those leaves out of the water! Even needle-bearing evergreen trees can be messy. A good alternative is a broadleaf evergreen such as holly. Avoid fruit trees: not only are they messy, but the fruits attract bees. And as beautiful as flowers are, be aware that they, too, can be bee-magnets. Even worse, plants with invasive root systems can damage a swimming pool over the years.

Fencing around swimming pools is a must when small children are present, for the purpose of safety. The right fence design can also offer you privacy. If you don't like the look of a fence, soften it by training vines to grow over it; the vines will enhance privacy to boot. Another safety feature around pools is outdoor lighting.

Patios or pool decks provide not only beauty, but safety for swimming pool areas. Climbing out of the swimming pool, you can be assured of a slip-resistant surface to land on with a scarred concrete patio. If you opt for a brick patio instead, be sure to keep the surface of the bricks rough (you'll have to clean moss off patios periodically). For convenience around swimming pools, nothing beats a closed gazebo in which you can change into/out of your clothes and relax in the shade. Outdoor furniture also affords convenience around your swimming pool, as do barbecue equipment and outdoor furnaces.

And you'd better keep some sunscreen in that gazebo....

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Landscaping Around Swimming Pools - About.com Landscaping

Pool Landscaping can be fun and rewarding when you have the right tools, knowledge and resources. Learning how to landscape your property will add both beauty and value to your home. While some people might hire a professional for their landscaping project, anyone with the right motivation and guidance can learn how to design their yard and pool area with success.

Be the envy of the neighborhood with your newly designed yard and swimming pool. All you need is some imagination, a little creativity, a few facts about plants & trees and the right guidance. Most yards feature the pool as the focal point, which makes any landscaping around it a very important consideration.

You want both beauty and practicality; the greenery you put around the pool needs to be compatible with the purpose of this area.

We are dedicated to providing you with the best information possible for your pool landscaping and yard design project. Everything that surrounds your home affects the overall atmosphere, whether it is beautiful trees, a pool with a deck, or junk, the looks of your whole property is influenced by these things.

Use our pool landscaping ideas to create the best possible landscape.When most people begin their landscaping project, they do not fully realize the size of the task.

The Pool Landscaping Website is here to help guide you through the process of planning and design, choosing the proper lighting, installing lawn edging, deciding the right placement of trees, all the way to planting the final flowers.

Are you ready to get started? Were here to help you!Contact Us

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POOL LANDSCAPING | Swimming Pool landscaping designs and ideas

If you are lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, you know the pleasures it can provide.

To enhance that pleasure, taking the opportunity to add landscaping, patio furniture and decorate the area, anyone can turn their pool and patio area into a private oasis.

When it comes to landscaping around a pool, the ideas are endless. Ideas which reflect your entertainment style, yet make it personal.

Backyard pool landscaping ideas played out in a design making your pool and patio area your very own sanctuary, hiding right out your back door.

However, to accomplish this you need a plan, a landscaping plan.

Two hardscape features which produce dramatic results in a pool area are landscape lights and landscaping bricks or pavers.

For some pools, the landscape around the pool may seem boring or messy. To dress up the patio, pool and backyard add plants and flowers around the pool.

Plants planted directly in the ground creates a more permanent layout. Place decorative stones or rocks in between the flowers.

Mulch is another great way to camouflage the disturbed dirt in and around the pool area.

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Pool Landscaping Ideas - Plant-Care.com

If you are trying to find a top-notch Long Island masonry company to service your home landscape design needs, you have come to the right place. Our premier masonry services include landscape designs for backyards, landscape designs for front yards, landscape designs for pools, driveway designs and brick BBQ designs. We provide these landscape design ideas in areas around Long Island such as Port Jefferson, Oyster Bay, Huntington, Stonybrook, Woodbury, Northport, Commack, Setauket, Fort Salonga, Old Field and Belleterre, New York. Our customers have always been very satisfied with our backyard landscape designs and landscape designs for the front of the house.

If you would like to see any pictures of landscape designs that we have completed, just take a look around our site and see examples of each specific service that we provide. We can create swimming pool landscape designs to help you achieve your dream of having the perfect in-ground pool. We also design pool safety fencing to make the environment a fun and safe one. Our landscaping contractors can provide you with the very best landscape designs and paver driveways in Long Island. Look through our site to see excellent examples of landscape paver designs and masonry walkways. We have the best brick barbeque contractors and brick driveway contractors you can find in New York. Your search through local masonry companies is over because you have found the very best.

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Long Island Landscape Designs - Long Island Landscape Architects ...

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Realtors always say that the three most important things to look for in a property are location, location and location. This old saying rang loud and clear for our clients when looking to remove their old uninspired swimming pool and create something truly custom and unique. The home is situated on ten secluded mountain top acres with a captivating view of the valley and nearby city below. Our clients loved their home and the rest of their property but were left feeling disappointed when in their old swimming pool and the landscaping in the surrounding area. Being seasoned world travelers, the homeowners had strong opinions on the landscape design, layout and materials. This turned out to be our best catalyst for bringing our swimming pool to a higher level of design and craftsmanship.

Primary Landscape & Swimming Pool Designer: Bill Moore licensed NJ Landscape Architect of Cipriano Custom Swimming Pools & Landscaping

Infield Designer: Chris Cipriano

Swimming Pool & landscape Construction: Cipriano Custom Swimming Pools & Landscaping

Masonry Construction: Cipriano Custom Swimming Pools & Landscaping

Solution: Custom Infinity Edge Swimming Pool and Landscaping Design / construction.

The goal of the swimming pool design was to create an infinity edge swimming pool that accentuated the views off site. Setting the pool elevation and location on the property were scrutinized thoroughly. The shape was set to be a roman end pool with plenty of seating, a large spa and a Sunshelf at the shallow end, allowing all users a chance for active and passive recreation. The patio layout again was designed to allow users to spread out and enjoy the vast views with our new pool in the foreground.

The house and surrounding landscape were on top of a mountain. Some of the landscape had rock shelf just a few feet down while other areas had up to a twenty foot depth of unsuitable fill conditions. The swimming pool area and subsurface soil were excavated to suitable shelf and subgrade, this required 1000 tons of clean stone below the pool and another 400 tons of compactable fill surrounding. This provided the stable base for the swimming pool, patios and landscaping.

The finishes on the swimming pool are what really took this pool from great to spectacular. For example, the waterline tile of the swimming pool consisted of a two color hand casted half inch by half inch iridescent glass tile set in a Grecian key pattern. Pulling from that tile, one inch by one inch tiles were set at all the benches, steps and shelves as well as the overflow to the infinity edge. This led us to the installation of a three color iridescent glass Grecian key and border detail at the bottom of the swimming pool with a combined profile of approximately thirty inches wide. The floor tile was an add-on and was very challenging to install due to the head locations of the in floor pool cleaning system. In addition to the in floor cleaning system, the tile and plaster installation crews had to tiptoe around 200 fiber optic star floor lights on the pool floor. The swimming pool plaster was selected to accentuate the tile, using a washed, exposed aggregate finish which glistens in the summer sun.

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Swimming Pool Designs-Landscape Architecture Design NJ

Featured on the cover of Phoenix Home & Garden August 2013

Welcome to Unique Landscapes by Griffin, Inc. & Unique Custom Pools, LLC. Unique Companies specialize in all aspects of Phoenix landscaping, pool construction and swimming pool remodeling. Unique Companies build everything from swimming pools to complete backyard environments, allowing you to enjoy Outdoor Living in Arizona to the fullest! Our experienced, friendly pool designers and staff are well-versed in all facets of Arizona landscaping, new pool construction, custom spas, outdoor kitchens, ramadas & pergolas, fireplaces & stone travertine patios and pavers installation. We take pride in designing beautiful and functional swimming pools & landscape environments to fit your needs. We then build them to meet your detail-oriented expectations and our high professional standards and specifications. Unique Companies continues to rank among the top landscape companies in the Phoenix area. In fact, Unique Landscapes is proud to have been ranked #1 Landscape Company 2010 in Phoenix (as voted on by Ranking AZ Arizona BusinessMagazine). To complement our #1 landscape ranking, Unique Custom Pools was also voted #3 Custom Pool and Spa Company! Unique Companies is the only landscape and pool builder in the industry that ranks in both the Swimming Pool & categories for landscape and pool builders. Our clients enjoy the BEST of the BEST from ONE UNIQUE COMPANY!

Our attention to customer service and emphasis on cooperation and coordination between swimming pool, structures & patio covers, and landscaping (design & construction) sets us apart from our competitors. Residents from Scottsdale to Gilbert, Mesa to Peoria, and Phoenix to Glendale can count on high quality, top-notch Arizona pool and landscape construction from landscape design to finished project.

Perfect integration with both swimming pool & landscaping!

In Arizona, our clients number one reason for choosing Unique is the fact that both pool and landscaping are handled by one company, one landscape and pool designer, and one point of contact. Uniques pool division was established to give our Phoenix pool builder full control and supervision of every aspect of our outdoor environments. Uniting the custom swimming pool and spa with our beautiful custom Arizona landscapes & outdoor environments is Unique Companies way of offering a value to all of our clients. We feel this value is unsurpassed by any other outdoor services company you can find in the Phoenix & surrounding areas. We have eliminated the time you must wait on the pool company to finish your swimming pool and spa before the landscape company can finish the rest of your outdoor Arizona Landscape and Swimming Pool Design.

Unique only staffs qualified professionals and exterior designers that are well-versed in both swimming pool construction and landscape design. We feel that it all starts with a great design one that incorporates both the swimming pool & spa with all the other backyard features (including landscaping, patios, barbecues and fireplace, etc.). Once our designers complete your landscape design, our pool division, UNIQUE CUSTOM POOLS works closely with our landscape division, UNIQUE LANDSCAPES, to build your pool and provide you with your custom outdoor living space. The process is very similar to a normal swimming pool construction, then a typical landscaping project but where we differ is that we actually start the landscaping at the same time (or very close) as the pool project begins.

Take a Vacation in Your Own Backyard!

All permits, engineering, HOA submittals and design work is handled at the same time, by one UNIQUE landscape and pool company! This process allows our projects to be completed weeks (and sometimes months) faster than any other contractor combination. On top of that, we are the sub-contractor and the General Contractor making us a cost-competitive company that can handle it all. Thank you for making Unique Companies your choice for Phoenix landscaping and Phoenix swimming pools we are glad to be an Arizona landscape and swimming pool builder!

Click here to view our landscape portfolio

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Unique Landscapes - Phoenix Landscaping Design & Pool Builders ...

San Bruno Parks and Recreation Meeting October 16, 2013 H1b. Landscape Pool
San Bruno Parks and Recreation Meeting October 16, 2013 H1b. Strategy for Landscaping Front of Swimming Pool.

By: cityofsanbruno

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San Bruno Parks and Recreation Meeting October 16, 2013 H1b. Landscape Pool - Video