Is the non hatched space (e.g. where the number 16 is over) all going to be landscaping? How much do you like gardening?

My opinion: I think 16x6 right in the middle of your path to the pool is too long. It really eats up your patio.

I don't mind the 8x8. Looking at your plan from above, the placement seems a little haphazard. And your patio already has a lot of obstacles in the form of posts. But, it does make sense with the roofline and will create a curved traffic pattern to the pool. Your conversation area will now be limited to the 16x24 area to the left of planter and below pool. That would be enough for me (my deck is 10 x 20) but is something to consider. Considering that post was already there at the 16 foot mark, it likely would have limited it anyway.

Thank you so much for your response! The nonhatched space will all be landscaped or grass. I havent decided which.

So do you think you would do it? You are right - there really seems to be no order to anything on the patio. I am leaning towards doing it.

Here are some daylight pics (the 8x8 ft. planter will be where the bertoia chair is; I tried to mark the line S. side with a broom handle):
{{gwi:2144721}}{{gwi:2144723}}{{gwi:2144725}}

From inside:{{gwi:2144727}}

I think I would prefer an 8x8' space too..... tho I would probably want to plant something other than just grass too...

You also have a good point robotropolis - the 8x8' space is awkward for seating due to the poles.

busybee3-do you mean you would put a planter in the 8x8' space and not concrete? I am torn between grass and plants for the longer space. In my town, there is not a lot of grass - it is nice to see when you can. I thought it would be nice to put lawn chairs on the grass, but I havent decided yet.

Robotropolis - I would not mind picking up gardening. If I plant things, it will probably be things like agave.

How much light would the planter get? How much of a pain would it be to keep a large planter adequately moist? Considering what could grow in your planter would determine size & placement too: low growing shade lovers like ivy? sun loving flowers or foliage? Would medium sized plants block too much view?

I love the look of planters, but found them less than ideal for plants. Depends on many of the above conditions. Think I'd go for the strip of grass.

I love your house and the decisions you have to make! On that website not to be named I saw lots of planters that looked wonderful. Then I saw this:

{{gwi:2144728}}

[Modern Landscape[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-landscaping-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_728~s_2105) by Mill Valley Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Integrated Design Studio, Inc.
Uh, maybe not so wonderful?
What about this:

{{gwi:2144729}}

[Modern Pool[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-pool-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_727~s_2105) by Philadelphia Furniture & Accessories usona
Seems like a good way to have a planter and be able to change your mind in the future.

sorry... I thought you meant the 16x6 area would be in same area as the 8x8 space... I think a very large planter in the space where the chair is would look really nice... I don't think the asymmetry would bother me because it doesn't seem to be a particularly symmetrical space???
I like growing plants in planters a lot, at least in my area...
grass I would think would be more difficult to keep looking nice by the pool- esp depending on how your pool is used...(ie kids, dogs...) the mowed grass would be best bagged, which I guess would be fine, esp for such small area... also, if chemicals are used to keep the grass looking nice they can affect the pool's chemistry (ie- nitrates) which can be a pain... grass is pretty-- concrete and planters are easier!!

From a gardening point of view - what are you planning on putting in these planters. Are they seasonal or will they have perennials in them. It looks like they will be under the roof - is that right? Where will they get their light and water from?

I'd answer those questions and then decide where and size. Sometimes a gardening plot can be all dug up and mulched, etc and then you go and try to find something for the plot and discover you can't find anything that works that you like.

You guys are the best!

busybee3 - yes I think I understand now. I think you and I are on the same page - 8x8' would be better than 16x6'. And no grass in the 8x8.' I was thinking grass for the long area along the far end of the pool, but maybe plantings instead.

onedogedi- your pics are very helpful! I see that they are not terribly symmetric but look great. It helped me decide to go ahead and do it.

blfenton, awm03 - I dont know what will grow there. I was thinking maybe for the 8x8 foot planter. I was going to let the landscape architect figure the plants out. You can see from the last pic above that much of the planter will be in the sun light (where the black chair is). There are two similar planters against the house - 16ft x 8 ft. and 8x8 ft. They will be irrigated.

I think I am going to do the planter. I just texted the landscape archtiect. I hope nobody comes up with a good reason not to now! LOL.

But if the planter doesn't get consistent light levels over the entire space, or if it only gets half day sun, then that limits what can grow there. And big concrete planters aren't like growing plants in patio containers -- it's harder to maintain consistent growing conditions (moisture, sun, aeration). I love the look of planters with MCM homes, but my experience is they can be tricky to keep nice looking. They can look ratty if the growing conditions aren't great. I'd urge you to see what the landscaper has in mind for plantings & ask what kind of sun requirements & maintenance they'll need. And drive around to look at planters to study why some work and some look anemic.

Thanks awm03. I did ask by text and he said things

Oh good, rockybird. I don't mean to be discouraging, just wanted to give you a head's up. Planters often are placed where they'll look good in relation to the architecture, but that doesn't mean they're placed in good spots to grow plants.

My former home had a planter in front, about 14 ft. x 3 x 3, and while I loved the look, it wasn't easy keeping it looking nice and lush, mostly because it only got early morning sun.

I don't like the idea at all. It is in the shade. It distracts from the view of the pool. Probably a tripping hazard too.

Now that I understand there is no planter, as such, I see no reason to not do it. You can always fill it with concrete in the future if you regret the decision.

awm03 - Thank you so much! Your opinion and thoughts are very helpful. I know nothing about plants and gardening. I can post tomorrow what plants he is suggesting for the other flower bed areas around the patio. I think it will be along the same stuff.

emmarene - Reading your post did make me think twice about it. I think there is too much concrete, and trying to conform to the original architect's modules of 8x8' makes it hard to find a place to add greenery. The landscape archtect also suggested filling in the space with concrete if I dont like the look, but there's always a risk it wont match. Do you think it will be pretty bad? I'm so nervous to make a mistake!

I love the house in the link below. I think it has some asymmetry to the hardscape and landscape. I'm trying to see if there are any similarities to placements of flowerbeds, concrete in relation to the pool

Here is a link that might be useful: Palm Springs Cody home

I would do the 8x8, it should look fine. Since you are in a desert landscape I think there should be some great plantings that could be used. I really love the beautiful colored succulent gardens. If it's to be used to try to get rid of excess water standing on the patio will they be installing a French drain in the bottom of the planting area?
What are the 2 tall white posts that stick up above the roofline?

Thanks ravencajun! I think I will go ahead with it but if I dont like it, have concrete poured.

The poles support the roof over the patio. I think they were supposed to be decorated at one time. This is from the original plan:
{{gwi:2144730}}

THere are two other flowerbeds in the back patio:
{{gwi:2144731}}
{{gwi:2144732}}

These are some of the plants I see listed on the plans for these flowerbeds.Agave bovicirnuta
Mexican fence post cactus
Kalanchoe marmotstea
Agave Celsii
Aloe brevifolia
Agave gentry

THere is a drain installed for splashing from the pool, heavy rains, and runoff from the roof. It's not very pretty though:

{{gwi:2144725}}

rockybird, your backyard is coming along really nicely! I like the idea of planter or space to add some more texture and color in your yard and think drought-tolerant/desert plants (agave, etc), surrounded by rock mulch would look great.

Thank you Pipdog! It looks so awful to me that I am having a hard time seeing it. I'm getting tired of the mess, but I know it is the home stretch.

I cant wait to see updated pics of your house...hint hint.. :)

Google Image search for campfire plant, one in a wheelbarrow should be there. It's a really beautiful colorful plant. The ones you listed would be really pretty there.

Just a few months now and you'll hopefully be throwing a very chic pool party!

I wish I had progress photos to share. This process is taking way longer than we thought it would!