James Mercer of 'The Shins' landscaped pool is a masterclass in welcoming but secluded 'privacy planting' – gardening experts swear by the ingenious trick

When it's done right, pool design can be an extension of the home. The pool area be a sanctuary, that gives your family extra space to relax and feels just as intentional and inviting as your interiors. James Mercer, lead musician in indie rock group The Shins, knows exactly what I mean.

The singer's pool landscaping idea, designed by Marisa Mercer Gardens, centers around an in-ground stone pool. On the edge, a gray planter contrasts the low height the water. Surrounding the pool, a variety of trees, bushes, and flowers create a 'green wall.' The plants surround the water, but it doesn't look overly boxed in or manicured. Instead, it feels equal parts wild and private.

This technique is celebrated by gardening experts. Thomas Rutter, Master Gardener and Content Editor at Homes & Gardens, explains: 'Using privacy planting surrounding a pool is a clever design trick to create an enclosed, safe space that feels both welcoming and secluded. With full green borders surrounding the inviting pool, this space appears much like a paradise garden, somewhere inviting and calming, and that you want to enjoy.'

To style the look in your own backyard, it's all about tall plants. Rutter recommends: 'If you have a pool, patio or terrace for that matter, using some of the best plants for privacy, such as hedging or large roses, hydrangeas or viburnums is a good idea to help frame the space. In this example, we also see a range of perennials planted under and alongside statement shrubs. Perennials can help to add pops of color during spring and summer - and who wouldn't want their garden to be full of red, pink, and yellow blooms?'

Flowers are just as important in the design as green plants. Rutter says: 'Knotweeds or persicaria can be seen here, with masses of tall pink flower spikes. As a gardener, I have long been a fan of the persicaria plant family, as they can generally be relied on for months of color with relatively little effort. Persicaria seeds can be found online at Amazon.'

Correctly designing a pool is the best way to make sure that you always have a private paradise at arms length.