My suggestions would include: daylilies, 'hot lips' sage, salvias, shasta daisies, catmint and lambs ear. For evergreens try rosemary and sky pencil holly, and lavender if it grows in your area. I don't think these would litter too much. Include some asters and blue mist shrub for fall color, and some spring bulbs like crocus, iris and daffodils for early spring color. If you have some shady areas, you may want to try gardenias, hostas, pulmonaria. I'm sure others will have lots of suggestions. I just tried to think of things that didn't have many falling petals or leaves.

Thanks for the suggestions. As a follow-up here are some more details on this area... -This area gets pretty good sunshine during the day and especially the afternoon. -The approximate total length of the area is about 30 feet -The depth of the area varies as it conforms to the edge of the pool but is between 3-6 feet all the way around.

Things we need to know: Perimeter of the pool. Depth, shallow and deep. Bench lengths Spa? Raised or flush? If the pool was painted, it's possible that a chip out of the old plaster may be needed and in fact, may be easier, faster, and yield better results than sand blasting. Some paints won't come off with a sand blaster, which makes an awful mess everywhere btw. Scott . Amount decking in square feet desired or width desired from the pool edge. This is big.

I think the sage green is lovely, but personally, IMO your lawn is so green that you don't need more, lol. I'd go with bright white, with a soft gray or charcoal roof, and a bright color trim--maybe bright green there, or red? Or a nice glossy black. You rarely see bright, dramatic colors on houses, and IMO that's a shame because they add so much cheer and personality. Houses where I used to live often had those bright red, green, or black trims, and I loved the way they looked (houses were white or cream-color). I also agree re painting the front door and storm door the same color. Phuninthesun's cedar trim is beautiful, though.