Luxurious Backyard Oasis
Chapters
Overview
Summary
This transformation turns a cluttered backyard into a luxurious oasis, featuring a central in-ground pool with travertine stone coping and cream-toned pavers. The design embraces a resort-like aesthetic with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and modern amenities, creating a serene and inviting outdoor space.
Key features include a modern cabana, comfortable lounge chairs, and a sleek fire pit area, all designed to enhance relaxation and entertainment. The yard now offers a harmonious blend of tropical and local plantings, ensuring privacy and beauty. The cohesive color palette and thoughtful lighting make this yard a standout, both day and night.
Design reasoning
Climate-Optimized Plant Palette
The plant selection was tailored to thrive in the loamy soil and Zone 9a climate of Dallas, Texas. This ensures year-round beauty and minimal maintenance, with plants chosen for their drought tolerance and aesthetic appeal.
Resort-Like Aesthetic
The design draws inspiration from luxury resorts, incorporating elements like a cabana and travertine pavers to create a high-end, relaxing atmosphere. This choice aligns with the homeowner's desire for a space that feels like a vacation retreat.
Functional Spatial Layout
The layout maintains the original yard's spatial boundaries while optimizing the flow between different functional areas. This ensures that each zone, from the pool to the seating area, is easily accessible and visually connected.
Low-Maintenance Design
Materials and plants were selected for their durability and low maintenance needs, reducing the time and effort required to keep the yard looking pristine. This approach supports the homeowner's lifestyle by minimizing upkeep.
Enhanced Privacy and Seclusion
Tall ornamental trees and strategic plantings create a sense of privacy, screening the yard from neighbors and utility wires. This design choice enhances the feeling of seclusion and tranquility.
What changed
A central in-ground pool with natural travertine stone coping and cream-toned pavers was installed. This feature serves as the focal point of the yard, offering a luxurious and refreshing retreat.
400 sq ft 
Cost estimates
Estimate confidence
85%Do it yourself
Top cost contributors
Hire a pro
Top cost contributors
Annual maintenance
Do it yourself
Hire a pro
Permit notice
A permit is likely required for the pool installation due to its size and depth.
Action plan
Site Preparation & Grading
April – MaySite Preparation & Grading
April – MayBegin by clearing the entire yard of debris and old structures. Grade the site to ensure proper drainage, using a level and stakes to mark the desired slope.
Check local codes — many areas require permits for structures over 200 sq ft.
Tutorial · YouTube
Begin by clearing the entire yard of debris and old structures. Grade the site to ensure proper drainage, using a level and stakes to mark the desired slope.
Check local codes — many areas require permits for structures over 200 sq ft.
Tutorial · YouTube
Pool Installation
May – JunePool Installation
May – JuneHire a professional contractor to install the in-ground pool. The process involves excavating the pool area, installing plumbing and electrical systems, and pouring concrete for the pool shell.
Hire a professional contractor to install the in-ground pool. The process involves excavating the pool area, installing plumbing and electrical systems, and pouring concrete for the pool shell.
Hardscaping and Paver Installation
JuneHardscaping and Paver Installation
JuneLay the cream-toned pavers around the pool area. Start by spreading a layer of gravel and sand to create a stable base. Use a rubber mallet to secure each paver.
Tutorial · YouTube
Lay the cream-toned pavers around the pool area. Start by spreading a layer of gravel and sand to create a stable base. Use a rubber mallet to secure each paver.
Tutorial · YouTube
Cabana and Seating Area Setup
JuneCabana and Seating Area Setup
JuneAssemble the cabana and arrange the lounge chairs. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly, ensuring all parts are securely fastened.
Tutorial · YouTube
Assemble the cabana and arrange the lounge chairs. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly, ensuring all parts are securely fastened.
Tutorial · YouTube
Planting and Landscaping
April – MayPlanting and Landscaping
April – MayPlant the selected tropical and local plants according to the design plan. Use a spade to dig holes twice the width of the root ball. Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch.
How to create a tropical garden | 5 TIPS to transform your garden · YouTube
Plant the selected tropical and local plants according to the design plan. Use a spade to dig holes twice the width of the root ball. Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch.
How to create a tropical garden | 5 TIPS to transform your garden · YouTube
Maintenance
spring
Prepare the yard for the growing season.
- Prune Ornamental Grasses
Cut back pampas grass and maiden grass clumps to 6–12 inches before new growth emerges in early spring.
Pampas Grass: What To Do and What NOT To Do when cutting down your pampas grass. · YouTube
- Fertilize Lawn
Apply a slow-release 15-5-10 fertilizer to the turf areas around the pool and cabana to kickstart spring green-up.
Tutorial · YouTube
summer
Maintain hydration and manage growth.
- Water Plants Regularly
Deep-water bougainvillea, bird of paradise, and palms 2–3 times per week during peak Texas heat, focusing on root zones.
How to water your shrubs, trees, and plants during Summer heat! · YouTube
- Manage Pool Chemistry
Test pH and chlorine levels twice weekly, keeping pH between 7.2–7.6 and free chlorine at 1–3 ppm for the travertine-coped pool.
POOL CHEMISTRY 101: How to Keep Your Water Balanced · YouTube
fall
Prepare for cooler months.
- Rake Leaves
Clear fallen palm fronds and deciduous debris from pavers and pool deck to prevent staining on the travertine.
Tutorial · YouTube
- Winterize Pool
Lower the water level, blow out plumbing lines, and install a winter pool cover before the first hard freeze.
How to CLOSE (Winterize) an Inground POOL · YouTube
winter
Protect vulnerable plants.
- Mulch Around Plant Bases
Add 3–4 inches of organic mulch around bougainvillea and bird of paradise root zones to insulate against rare Zone 9a freezes.
Tutorial · YouTube
- Inspect Hardscaping
Check travertine coping and cream pavers for frost-heave cracks or shifted joints and re-level any displaced stones.
Tutorial · YouTube
Changes with the seasons
Plant guide
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea glabra
Adds vibrant color and thrives in Zone 9a heat.
Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana
Provides dramatic texture and movement, serving as a natural privacy screen.
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
Offers exotic blooms and a tropical look, enhancing the resort-like feel.
Shopping list
Find a contractor
Landscape Designer
$1,500–$3,000
For overall project planning, plant selection, and design layout
Nearby pros
Pool Installation Contractor
$20,000–$40,000
For professional installation of the in-ground swimming pool
Nearby pros
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