Landscaping a Pool

My good friend and Lawyer asked me if I would help her landscape her pool area. Since I have been toying with the idea of consulting in garden design......I agreed.
Her pool is a geometric shape with a free form patio around it. I will post some pictures once it stops raining. There was one request....nothing with flowers...NO BEES! The budget is $1,000. and I  have total control over the plantings. If you have ever bought shrubs, trees, groundcover and specimen plants for a large area, then you know that this is a tight budget.
Here are some of the natural designs I'm using for inspiration

Woodburn & Company

 

Creative Design Construction

DeCavitte Properties

Keith Willig Landscape

Betz Pools

This project should go fast. Do you have a favorite outdoor plant....that doesn't flower?