Not only is the design beautiful, but I feel I must point out a few details that make this a real masterpiece. First, that pool is not a chemical laden bath it is in fact a natural pond-pool, which means that rather than using chlorine or other chemicals to keep the water clean and pure, the filtration system is natural and the planting that you see around the pool is what is cleaning the water. This technology is not common here in the US but is considerably more common in European countries. If you are in market for a pool or pond and wish to forgo the chem-bath, check out Bio Nova Pools -- one of the few US companies working in this area.
The second thing is that olive tree. Transplanting ancient olive trees has been a strong trend in modern European garden design for many years. The trees are typically sourced from Italy and come at a considerable price. If you want to try and create the same look here in the US, you will have to make sure you can protect the tree either by being in a climate that will support it (many arid western states work well), or by creating a sheltered micro-climate for the tree. A great source for old olive trees in the US is Ancient Olive Trees. It is not common for trees to be routinely successful transplants when they are at advanced ages, but olives have a unique root structure that enables them to transplant well -- even when they are very old.
It is a nice trick to be able to create patina in a new garden. Typically furniture and accessories create any semblance of a time honored feeling in a young garden. The 'after' pictures in this garden are only 2 years after the place was built, but I think the tree and the paving detail both lend this garden a permanence that new gardens often tend to lack. The paving that combines concrete with cobbles in a haphazard way, makes the garden appear to have a more layered and built over time appearance. I am a firm believer that the best gardens are places that tell stories and aren't too perfect.
This has me thinking about of other possible ways to create instant garden patina....any suggestions?
(Images: Carolyn Chadwick)
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BEAUTIFUL. I feel relaxed just looking at that pool.
Wowzer!! That's all kinds of gorgeous! Love a long-lean simple pool. I'm in the middle of a patio landscape redo and found that by adding more "fluffer" type plants like palms and large leafy plants in pots makes a HUGE impact. Really helps gather the space and finish things off around the edges.
I would kill for the before!
Not in favor of the low greenery to cement ratio, for swimming laps maybe better to join a gym.
I actually prefer the before - as the poster above says, too much cement vs. greenery. Although in all fairness, I would kill for either of these.
Olive trees are water sucks. Avoid planting them in any arid zone in the U.S.
Another vote for the 'before.'
The hard edges and angles of the pool detract from the serenity of the garden, IMO.
Prefer the before. The after is really grey...I think that you can have the pool without all the cement around and put some "greens" on the blank grey wall of the pool.
I wouldn't say that the before is necessarily better... I think it depends on your tastes. The before was unkempt but it was ripe for a romantic feel. The after is a modern version of the space, and while it has romantic touches, like another commenter said, the sharp angles keep it more impressive than dreamy. For me, it just seemed too busy/harsh to strike a harmonic balance between modern and romantic. The flooring is an obvious example. The greenery another, it's so varied and sprouting from everywhere, there's no rhythm... and to add to it, the effect is trying so hard to be Capability Brown, until you see the planters they're caged in. Beautifully executed, but poorly designed, I think.
Oh wow. I just totally love this. Probably my dream garden! Can you swim in the pool or is it just for looking at? Either way. Man, just peaceful and swank and gorgeous.
I think I might like the 'after' better if I had never seen the 'before'. They're both lovely in their own ways (and I really drooled over the pool), but it just seemed so romantic and fairy-friendly before.
Great transformation - i like both the before and the after. Olive trees do not need a lot of water and despite a previous poster saying - they arent water 'sucks'. Ive seen one living in a barrel of sand and rarely watered or given tlc and it thrived. And 'fruited'. There are many many groves in Australia in arid land and they pluss the rest of the trees around them go ganbusters.
I think it would be a total joy to have that water out in the yard, its not overbearing (its clean - so i guess Kity drinks it!) and if you are able to swim/relax in it then all the more special. Bet the friends and neighbours love visiting!