we need location

i just saw the TITLE.. lol ... sorry .. ken ...

no problem-thanks!

If you are in coastal Maryland, you might try Needle palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix). Windmill Palm is a difficult choice for any parts of Maryland.

Others plants that you could try to get a tropicalesque effect are:

vitex, mahonia beali, large grasses, canna (mulch in winter), contained bamboo, camellia, hardy hibiscus, aucuba, variegated Yucca.

Are you in coatsal or western Maryland?

Thanks Doug We are outside of Annapolis in a water community. Very small lot and limited space around pool. Would consider starting all over with the pool landscaping. Its a mess really

some ideas based on the plants mentioned:

Doug what is the tree behind the mahonia beali?

That is a Ligustrum japonica. You could also use edible fig tree.

Gm Susan, I see your dilemma we face the same issues here with impervious surface issues regarding lot sizes. From what i could see you really don't have any usable patio space and you need privacy. You can remove all of the river rock from the beds. Choose an area to expand the patio into, We use a 3/8" size stone and install a product called "gravel loc" , it binds the stone so u can use it as a patio and water will still pass thru it . For the privacy start with Alaskin Weeping Cedar or Columner European Hornbeam against the fence in line with the chimney. Then plant Goldflame Spirea, Sonic Bloomer Weigela, Twist & Shout Hydranga, Green mountain Boxwood, Green velvet boxwood. These are all small to medium size shrubs that wont require to much maintenance so you can enjoy your pool!!!

Another tropical look using needle palm, pampas grass (or dwarf pampas), crape myrtle & golden bamboo (contained):

Doug love your ideas! my favorite is the first one but I can see how the second one of the end of the pool would be great too! the one in front of the house next door is fabulous too! The area between the end of the pool and the one between the house next door is basically a hedge with spider plants in front. Would you take this hedge down or wait until the new plants/bushes/trees mature? Same question for the right side of the pool. There is a large overgrown hedge that has seen better days but still provides privacy. Your thoughts? many thanks Susan

I'm just giving you some different looks to consider. You live in an area where pulling off a tropical feel is possible with the right plants. If you were a 150 miles south your options would really open up.

Love all your suggestions!