Thank you so much Jenn. My wife gets all the credit for the pool design. I just had few ideas and she pulled it all together. We started with a couple of designs from PBs but then we kept wanting to change this and that to see what it would look like. So we got our own software and my wife created at least 50 different versions of our pool. The final PB plan started from our plan and they made some recommendations based on their expertise of designing pools. Our tanning ledge will only have partial flagstone around the area that will be out of the water. We wanted the beach entry for our babies - 2 tiny toy poodles. There's no way they'd be jumping into a foot of water. Let's just hope they learn to use the beach entry. I'm looking most forward to the tanning ledge. It just seems like the best area to lounge around in. Glad to hear no birds have paid you a visit. We used to have a koi pond by our patio and birds would come. But then again, we used to have 4 trees in our backyard that have since been cleared. So yes, time will tell. Otherwise I'll have to find creative ways to scare away the birds.

There are so many varieties of panicle hydrangea now, in addition to limelight and little lime. These are an unnamed variety from a grower here in east Texas - they only get about 6 hours of full sun, but they really responded to this cold winter. The flowers age kind of pinkish then dry nicely for arrangments. We've also had good luck with the smooth hydrangeas (h. arborescens) such as Annabelle in similar condition, actually in the same bed - these might be 'Incrediball' - I have to wait till fall to climb in to see the tags. We did plant them on the east side of some taller shrubs (viburnum 'Opening Day' and 'Rosalinda' Indian hawthorn, which is recovering from last winter's freeze) to provide some afternoon relief from the hot sun.

Are they ok with growing tropicals as annuals? Most don’t survive our D/FW winters. Cannas and banana plants are two that will, and are fine in full sun. Elephant ears, too, but they prefer afternoon shade. There are lots of vines that would give a tropical look and come back. Coral honeysuckle, clematis, etc. For big shrubs, Oleanders will usually come back here (note that all parts of them are toxic and not a good choice if kids or pets like to nibble). There are lots of bulbs that will survive our temps and have a tropical feel. We have a hibiscus that will come back — Hardy Hibiscus, rose mallow. Later on, if they have some mature plantings providing shade, some types of ferns and hostas would work well, as well as annual caladiums. Succulents and some types of cacti, although usually thought of as just desert landscaping, can actually look lush and interesting in other contexts. Google ‘xeriscaping in Texas’ for examples. Our favorite place to stay in Jamaica has the most beautiful, huge garden area with tropicals and cacti mixed. It’s quite stunning. Are there any structures back there? Swimming pool? Will they do planting beds? Patio plants? Paths? How big is the backyard? I’m just trying to get an idea of what the overall desired scheme is. It’s also important to know if their soil is acidic or alkaline. Jmo, but I’d research the best perennials, shrubs, etc for our area (knowing soil type) and mix in annual tropicals ... in containers, hanging baskets, and/or on trellises, etc. I wouldn’t plan a bed or other area around just true tropicals. Every year, I have bougainvilleas, mandevillas, tropical hibiscus, ixora, cordylines, purple fountain grass, crotons, etc. Most in containers, and Mandevillas on obelisks. They can take our heat, but do need lots of water. It’s a misconception that they love being dry because they’re heat and humidity lovers — in the actual tropics, it rains a lot. There are some palm varieties that can survive down to 32 degree temps, but would have to be protected for anything below. And don’t forget our perennial ornamental grasses — they’re tough and provide nice textures. Crape Myrtles are great for shrubs or small trees. I know I’m forgetting some things, hopefully others chime in. As you said, there are lots of other plants that would definitely compliment this type of look.

Thanks for giving your location up front. That really helps. As for the last picture, you'll never, ever, have bermuda in there, so give up on that idea. You might be able to grow St Augustine, but standing water is not good for that. I have a question about that picture. Is that the outer wall of the house? right above the shadow of the head and slightly to the right, it looks like the wall ends and there's a gap before the soil starts. Is that what I'm seeing? What is your watering schedule? How often and for how long are you watering? That lawn is established. You should not be overwatering it to get it established.