BACKYARD BEAUTY

Local landscapers say that today's homeowners have a garden variety of options...

by ERIN MURPHY SANDERS   

It's a trend that's becoming a tradition - the backyard oasis. From patios, pools and ponds to decks, pergolas and outdoor kitchens, homeowners are enhancing their properties and extending their living space into the great outdoors so they can entertain and "vacation" in luxury. The finishing touches are like the accessories in your indoor rooms - beds borders and containers bursting with color, texture, fragrance and beauty. Need some inspiration for your own oasis? Read on.

A BLOOMING GOOD TIME

Ronni Hock of Ronni Hock Garden & Landscape of Lawrenceville was called in to put the finishing touches on this Hopewell Township poolscape.

The homeowners wanted lots of seasonal interest and color, so Hock created a large perennial garden, featuring hibiscus, nepeta, echinacea, monarda and Knock Out rose. "I use a lot of material that has a long bloom time." she says.

The deer problem is kept under control by fencing, deer resistant plantings and a dog that patrols the property. Hock says there is a lot of unusual material available at the garden centers that can turn containers into conversation pieces and set your garden apart. She used larger plantings that are visible from the house and serve as focal points around the pool including banana and orange trees that overwinter inside.