A cool refuge from the summer sun was a big priority for these homeowners. Their backyard swimming pool is a favorite seasonal stop for grandchildren, and a wooded area just beyond the diving board provides a shady haven. Several design tips were employed to make this simple little garden a comfortable and tranquil addition to the landscape.

Define the Space
The lawn shape was outlined with soft curves as a gentle counterpoint to the angular lines of the concrete that surrounds the pool. Brick edging keeps the area neat and manicured. This tiny oasis is cooling and makes a soft grassy carpet for bare feet. The back of the garden is defined with the existing mature trees and shrubs. This green backdrop pulls your attention toward the front of the garden.

Supply a Focal Point
Set back under the canopy of trees, the teak bench anchors the garden and provides an attractive and practical resting place out of the sun. Broad stepping-stones make access to the bench convenient, and their natural look nicely complements the wooded setting. A secondary point of interest is a multitrunk Japanese maple, which is placed to the left of the bench between the existing trees and the concrete pool surround.

Fill In the Gaps
Plants were selected to give the garden a cool appearance. Green is the primary hue, with bold textures emphasized rather than fussy colors. Assorted hostas provide broad leaves with varying green shades, while Southern shield fern grows behind for a soft backdrop. Creeping jenny wanders between the stepping-stones and crawls over the brick edging. A clump of chartreuse Japanese sweet flag along the edge adds a long, pointed leaf for contrasting shape.

Blue mophead hydrangeas to the right of the bench add a refreshing hue to the garden and provide bulk and height. Without this shrub, the garden might have appeared too flat and symmetrical. Pale pink astilbe brings color close to the bench, and a smattering of white impatiens will bloom throughout the summer.

The key elements of this garden's charm are simple design, an obvious focal point, and excellent plant choices. Use these tips, and you can't miss.

"Shady Retreat" is from the July 2002 issue of Southern Living.