Alexandra Daddario's landscaped pool is a masterclass in 'privacy planting' – gardening experts swear by her ingenious trick

The actress's pool is a tranquil backyard oasis – she uses a clever technique to keep her garden far from prying eyes

Alexandra Daddario
(Image credit: Getty Images / Roy Rochlin / Contributor)

Alexandra Daddario's cleverly planted backyard is a vision of privacy and comfort. An Instagram photo showcased the actress's impressive outdoor space, awash in beautiful shades of blue and green. It's the ideal combination of function and aesthetics, and the look is unbelievably easy to recreate.

First, Daddario's pool landscaping is designed for seclusion and tranquility. The space features sky-high bushes and towering trees in the background, with smaller bushes and vibrant grass closer to the water. Hydrangea bushes create a subtle pop of blue in the back of the yard. Lounge chairs and a tiny coffee table create the perfect space for outdoor relaxation. It's easy to see Daddario and her family chilling in the space.

'If you are lucky enough to have a pool, hot tub, or jacuzzi, then now is the time to enjoy those long, warm summer evenings,' says Thom Rutter, master gardener and content editor on the team at Homes & Gardens, of the backyard idea.

He continues: 'Alexandra Daddario's pool is picture-perfect blue, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and privacy planting. This is a clever design trick, as most of us would want to enjoy peace and seclusion when swimming in a backyard pool.'

Certain plants are preferable to others for recreating Daddario's timeless and stylish look. Rutter states: 'Using some of the best plants for privacy, such as laurel or yew hedging, is a good idea. Another option is California lilac, otherwise known as ceanothus. This popular California native plant produces a mass of purple blooms and has evergreen foliage in warmer regions.' These plants all have the advantages of being both tall and adding a beautiful design element to the yard.

Rutter continues, 'Using plants like laurel, yew or ceanothus is a clever design trick, and much like Alexandra Daddario's yard, incorporating evergreen hedging and screening will help you to create a safe and secluded pool-side space.'

tropical planting around pool

A similar planting technique seen by a backyard swimming pool.

(Image credit: Studio Arth)

Shop Alexandra Daddario's Garden

The right planting technique is not only beautiful, but turns your garden into a functional space. For celebrities, or just those who prefer to keep their life out of the public eye, privacy is a huge part of this functionality. Our editors' planting picks help to strike this perfect balance. Japanese Yew makes the perfect privacy hedge because of its height and its beautiful feathery leaves. Similarly, California lilac provides both high coverage and gorgeous purple flowers. Hydrangeas are a classic ingredient for a gorgeous garden, and these from Amazon will arrive within just a few days.


When it comes to landscaping your pool, a large part of the work is about planting, but outdoor furniture is another important dimension. In Daddario's backyard, sheer lawn chairs and a round concrete table create the perfect setting for lounging and chatting.

These additions make the space feel more like a lived-in, outdoor living room than an expanse of grass. A table and chairs are a great place to start with the look, and you can even take it a step further with a beach umbrella, an outdoor rug, or an artfully designed firepit. These additions can transform a backyard into an extension of the home. We further recommend adding 'cozy' accessories like decorative pillows and indoor-outdoor cushions to warm up the look.

Alexandra Daddario's pool is the perfect inspiration for designing a backyard. Whatever your outdoor needs, privacy and beauty are always things to aspire to.

Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.