First off your home is beautiful!! I think you need to be thinking about that in-ground pool you are going to put in, they need to dig it out so you don't want to go planting beds & shrubs & trees just to dig them back out so take a garden hose & map out where it is going to be-use the hose laying on ground in shape of swimming pool, then a 2nd hose a few feet out from where the pool will be as you have to have a space around the pool, you don't want that whole area too close to the back hill which might send a lot of water & dirt, etc into that area. Also are you having the pool fenced in, much safer all around if you do, neighbor kid isn't as likely to drown if he can't see water or get gate open. So pool, edging area & fencing placement all needs to be figured out 1st. Then you will want to be placing trees & shrubs where they aren't dropping leaves, flowers & twigs in the pool. Also you need to figure out how large these things will be if it gets really hot you might want some shade during hot part of day-but off at a distance Along with that you may need to plan the walkway at back of house. If pool will be used constantly that has to be thought out, probably cement walkway to house to change or will there be a pool house, bathroom trips, need to figure out how that will work as kids will drip through the house so I'd be getting some graph paper & figuring out where all the stuff you are having will be, patio in back or on that side? You can plan trees in front yard but even that needs to be where pool can't be seen or so pool can be seen depending on your preferences. Fall is good for planning trees & shrubs at least that is when my son planted back that way. So once you have the pool area mapped out then present it to this forum so they might be able to give you ideas for putting plants but if I were you I would be getting that BIL out to your house for steaks on the BBQ & pinning him down on what you've drawn & see what his opinion is, if you have put in some work planning & laying it out then he will know you are serious & more likely to help you. I have 4 younger brothers. a suggestion often gets bypassed but hand 1 a screwdriver & ask if they can screw something to the wall & might ask what else needs to be done.(things I can't figure out how to do or require more strength like changing outdoor faucet.) Hope it works.

What a cute picture! I've never heard of beavers damaging anything -- except trees. There must be a beaver pond or a stream near your yard. If they're building or maintaining a dam in the area, they'll gnaw around the base of small trees till they (the trees) fall, then drag them off to use in their dam or hutch. They eat the bark and will sink small limbs in the pond to eat during the winter. I've also read that they eat vegetation growing in the water, like water lilies and water cress. They won't destroy your yard by digging for grubs and worms like the wretched armadillos do.

Cynthia, I think you'll have a hard time finding something shrubby that narrow and well behaved (non-invasive roots, doesn't require daily pruning) to go behind your roses. Perhaps you can try a trellis and some vines like honeysuckle. Your roses are probably already in bloom but you may be able to move them since the soil is still wet from our rains. You might try posting your question on the discussion side (rather than the gallery - which doesn't seem to be frequented much). Or try the rose forum. They're friendly folks. Best wishes to you. Anne

If this is to be your forever home, I think you could make it look pretty good but the initial cost of proper landscaping would be a pretty penny unless you would be willing to wait several years to get the effect you probably desire by waiting for smaller plants and trees to grow enough to disguise your pool. If you plan to be in this home only 5 to 10 years, I would think it would be a rather expensive investment unless there are few ways to amuse yourself and your family relatively close to your home. One person to consult before you do ANYTHING is your homeowner's insurance agent as swimming pool coverage can add a lot to your insurance premium. If you do plan to sell this home down the line but still want to add the pool for your family to enjoy while you do live there, engage the services of a landscaping professional who could plan landscaping that would still look good even if a potential buyer wanted to remove the pool. Often they can work within your budget, and give you a detailed plan which can be implemented in stages over time. They can also give you a plan that you implement yourself to save money. Often times inground pool companies will include landscaping in a plan they present to you to get your pool contract but I doubt an above ground pool seller does so due to the lower cost of your investment. But it doesn't cost a penny to check when you're searching for a company from which to purchase an above ground pool. Good luck with whatever you decide, Amanda. You have land that makes me pea green with envy!