haley45: Thanks for your kind words. trailrunner: Caroline, yes obviously I go for the tropical look. If a plant doesn't have that exotic, tropical look about it, I usually don't buy it. I'm sure those who like a more structured, well designed landscape think mine looks like an overgrown, out of control mess, but I love the dense, jungle-like appearance. Always room to squeeze in one nore plant..LOL. The green bananas are Musa 'basjoo' & the one with the reddish tint in the 4th & 5th pic is Ensete 'maurelii'. The basjoos are heavily mulched & left in the ground. The Ensete is cut back, dug & stored bare root in my garage. The palms are windmill (Trachycarpus fortunei), sabal minor, sabal palmetto, sabal birmingham, needle (Rhapidophyllum hystrix), and pindo (butia capitata), all very hardy here when established.

A rule I'd suggest you follow is to keep the walk sufficiently away from the house in order to have a decent foundation planting. You'll need a landscape designer to help you with all the details. Here are a few general ideas as a starting point. Contemplate what furniture you'll want to use on the pool patio in order to make sure that the patio is large enough.

There is SOOO much potential here! IMO, all it needs to soften it is some landscaping (colourful planters and plants scattered around perimeter), loungers, an outdoor dining area, colourful cushions, outdoor area rug(s), umbrella, etc. Pick a colour scheme and run with it. If you removed the hot tub, that footprint could be for loungers or outdoor dining and if you were to do that, I would also suggest moving the pool equipment at the same time to around the side of house (where the downspout is) that would give you more "living" space. Finally, given the "sidewalk" style of your pool surround, my guess is the pool dates to the late 70's early 80's. That being said, as part of your due diligence, suggest you have someone qualified to inspect pool equipment do so as part of your home inspection prior to buying/closing. If you do end up purchasing, make sure to update with "after" photos!

Hi All - I'm about to take the leap and hire someone to install an inground 15x30 vinyl pool for me in my backyard. I just received their quote, but have no idea if they are giving me good quality materials or cheap stuff. Was hoping I can get some help on this. I've asked for the brands (yet to receive) but below are the specs contained in the quote. As an example, I have no idea if a 1 HP pump is standard or 1 skimmer in a 15x30 is the norm. In any case, would appreciate your thoughts on this. Thx Job Description: Supply 15x30 In ground Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool , with spillover Fiberglass spa, and the following Items; Items: Galvanized Steel Panels, with A frames and deck supports Aluminum Double Track Coping for the liner 1 Hp Pump 24 Inch Sand Filter High Efficiency digital pool heater with electronic ignition Liner over steel steps 1 Ladder Marine Grade 2 LED underwater Pool Lights Vinyl Liner from Selections Provided 1 skimmer, 4 return Jets , 1 vacuum line , and 1 main drain for circulation 1 Hayward Aquarite Saltwater System, with programmable hydro panel. 1 winter cover Tarp material 1 maintenance Kit , wit Vacuum pole, hose , Net , and Brush Pool excavation, includes fill removal from Pool only , must provide 7 ft access There will be 2 stage Concrete poured for footings , and Vermiculite pool finish for Liner, with 3/4 stone Backfill. Spillover square fibreglass spa with booster pump for jets to be used with the Pool equipment .