If you’ve been considering replacing your pool with a garden, you’re not alone. Over the years, I’ve been approached more and more by people wanting to make this big change. Perhaps it’s the ongoing drought in California or maybe it’s because the kids have grown up and moved out. Whatever the reason, this trend is gaining momentum, and many people are reimagining their outdoor spaces.

As the weather cools and we move into a cozy weekend, I thought it might be the perfect time to share one of my favorite projects – transforming a family’s unused pool into a lush garden retreat. Grab a warm drink and let’s dive into this before-and-after transformation.

A Familiar Scene: The Pool That Was Once Loved

This project started with one of my closest friends’ gardens – a space that had been home to many unforgettable moments, like birthday parties and Scout gatherings. But once the kids had grown and started their own families, the pool became just another feature that wasn’t getting any use. It sat there for years, taking up space and gathering dust.

The Decision to Remove the Pool

After much deliberation, the family decided it was time to remove the pool. Let me tell you, this isn’t an easy decision. There are emotional ties to those family memories, and it’s a big financial and physical commitment. The process is loud, messy, and invasive, involving heavy machinery and days of digging. It’s exhausting, no doubt, but once the work is done, the payoff is incredible.

If you’re thinking of going down this path, expect a lot of noise, disruption, and a big mess. But rest assured, it’s temporary, and the result will make it all worth it.

Designing a New Garden for Family Memories

Since the decision to remove the pool wasn’t easy for the family, I wanted to create a space that would help build new memories. The design needed to include something for everyone, offering a sense of joy and connection.

We gave the old patio area a makeover by expanding it into a beautiful Connecticut bluestone dining space, perfect for spontaneous gatherings. A low retaining wall was added to provide extra seating for guests, which can come in handy during family events. Plus, I made sure to leave room for their daughter’s seasonal containers – a new hobby of hers that adds life and color to the garden.

Beautiful Details and Personal Touches

The garden was designed to be filled with life and fragrance. On one side of the table, we planted old-fashioned roses, geraniums, and citrus trees, offering sweet scents and vibrant color. On the other side, a collection of succulents thrives, adding texture and variety.

One of the standout features of the garden is the fountain, which was converted from an antique olive jar. This became the garden’s focal point, surrounded by a mix of lemon thyme, lavender, and blue fescue grass. We chose La Paz pebbles for the ground cover, which not only looks beautiful but also provides a satisfying crunch underfoot.

This fountain can easily be converted into a party feature for Halloween with a bit of dry ice to create an eerie effect. It’s small touches like this that turn a garden into a space that brings people together.

Comfort and Relaxation in the Garden

Adjacent to the fountain, we created cozy spots for the family to relax. There are lounge chairs for those who want to soak up the sun, as well as heated outdoor chairs – my personal favorite for chilly evenings. These chairs are incredibly comfortable, making them the perfect addition for those cooler nights when you want to sit outside and enjoy the garden.

A Space for Growing and Exploring

One family tradition was growing heirloom tomatoes from seed, and they didn’t want to lose that after removing the pool. So, I designed a small section of the garden dedicated to vegetable beds, where they could continue this hobby. To protect the plants from their curious puppy, I added a see-through fence made of redwood and corten steel. The open grid design ensures proper airflow and keeps the garden visually open, preventing it from feeling closed off.

Raised Beds for Flowers and Herbs

On the other side of the vegetable garden, we added two stacked-stone raised beds for cutting flowers and herbs. This has been a fun project for the family over the years, as they try out different flower and herb varieties. These raised beds not only make it easy to grow fresh flowers but also keep the plants safe from their playful puppy. The draping ‘Lemon’ thyme softens the edges of the stone, making the space look inviting and natural.

Worth the Effort

Removing a pool is undoubtedly a major financial investment and a long process. But once the dust settles and the new garden begins to take shape, it’s worth every penny and every ounce of effort. The transformation from a neglected pool to a vibrant garden full of life and memories has been a truly rewarding experience. I hope this story inspires you if you’re considering a similar change for your own space.