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Plants Add the Finishing Touch to Contemporary Styling

While some prefer the atmosphere of a tropical getaway in their pool area, and some want the climate of a sandy, windswept beach, others prefer a more contemporary feel. You can create a sleek, modern style with swimming pool design, hardscaping, decking and lighting. But just as important to your contemporary look are the plants you choose. Here are a few suggestions:

• Plants that are geometrically shaped and repeat the plantings in patterns, such as Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) with its upright segmented stems
• Hostas have a rosette shape; they do flower but are valued more for their leaves, which may be variegated, striped or edged in contrasting colors.
• Lilies add some color when they're blooming and interesting leaf shapes when they're not. Incorporate hardscape into the landscaping.
• Alternate square stepping stones with squares of ground cover, such as creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), Irish moss (Chondrus cripus) and baby tears (Soleirolia soleirolii), which can all can withstand some traffic and are easy on bare feet.
• Place an evergreen pruned to mimic the straight sides of a square pot on either side of the entry way to the pool. Repeat the pots at the back of the pool and in seating areas.
• Use planters and plants that are the same shape.

A professional pool installer, such as Barry Bartakovits Custom Pools, can work with a top notch landscaper to put the finishing touches on your new home recreation area.

At Barry Bartakovits Custom Pools, our people make the difference. Our team is comprised of eighteen experienced employees - four are PA State certified pool operators and our retail store is a licensed PA state certified chemical applicator. Our in-house team will work tirelessly to provide you with top-of-the-line service, before, during and after the sale of your new outdoor living space. Having just celebrated our 40th year in business, we are proud of the numerous prestigious awards we have received from the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), Penn Jersey Pool & Spa Association, and the Lehigh Valley Builders Association. For more information, call us at 610) 691-7665 or visit http://www.custompoolsbybarry.com/.