Create Warmth and Beauty With a Fire Pit and Plantings in Royal Oak, MI

A fire pit and plantings in Royal Oak, MI, can bring warmth and beauty to your backyard, making your outdoor space a place to relax and entertain year-round. Thoughtful landscape design ties everything together, from selecting the perfect plants to creating a paver patio that complements the fire feature. Whether you’re adding a retaining wall for structure or integrating an outdoor fireplace for a grander effect, professional installation ensures a polished look that thrives in Michigan’s climate. If you have an inground pool, the right plantings can enhance the entire setting.

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What Plants Are Good Around Fire Pits?

A fire pit naturally draws people in, creating a warm and inviting space for gathering, but the surrounding landscape plays a big role in how the area looks and feels. The right plantings soften the edges, add movement and color, and make the space feel intentional and polished.

When designing a fire pit area, we select plants that can handle heat and occasional dryness while providing year-round interest. We also consider factors like spacing, plant height, and how the plants will evolve through the seasons.

Choosing Fire-Safe Plants

Since fire pits generate heat and occasional sparks, plant selection needs to balance beauty with safety. We avoid highly flammable plants, opting instead for varieties that are heat-tolerant and low-maintenance.

• Ornamental grasses like Karl Foerster feather reed grass and switchgrass provide height and movement without being overly flammable. These grasses thrive in Michigan’s climate and bring a soft, natural look to hardscaped areas.

• Lavender is a great choice for fire pit areas because it loves dry conditions and adds a pleasant fragrance. It also has a compact growth habit, making it a good border plant.

• Sedum is an excellent low-growing option that adds texture and color. It’s drought-resistant, meaning it can handle the heat from the fire pit without requiring much attention.

• Russian sage offers a wispy, elegant texture and a beautiful purple hue. It thrives in dry conditions and pairs well with stone elements like a paver patio or retaining wall.

• Low-spreading junipers are an evergreen option that adds year-round structure and greenery to the space. They require little maintenance and work well as a backdrop for seasonal perennials.

Creating a Balanced Fire Pit Landscape

Beyond choosing the right plants, we also focus on layout and material selection. Stone or mulch borders help define planting beds while keeping flammable materials at a safe distance. Fire pits often sit within a paver patio, which provides a stable, fire-resistant surface, but we can also incorporate retaining walls to create depth and frame the space.

For a finished look, we layer plants by height, placing taller grasses or shrubs toward the back and using lower perennials or ground covers in the foreground. This creates a natural flow that feels cohesive with the rest of the landscape.

Is an Outdoor Fireplace Better Than a Fire Pit?

Both fire pits and outdoor fireplaces create warmth and ambiance, but they serve different purposes in a backyard setting. The right choice depends on how you plan to use the space, the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, and the level of structure you prefer.

The Case for a Fire Pit

A fire pit is casual and social, making it a favorite for homeowners who love to entertain. It creates a 360-degree gathering space, allowing guests to pull up a seat from any angle and enjoy the warmth of the fire together. Whether it’s a night of roasting marshmallows or an impromptu get-together, a fire pit keeps things open and inviting.

This style of fire feature works well in a variety of settings, blending seamlessly into patios, gardens, or more open landscapes. With options for both wood-burning and gas-fueled models, homeowners can choose the level of convenience that fits their lifestyle. A fire pit can be designed as a built-in element within a paver patio, framed by retaining walls, or surrounded by plantings to soften the edges and create a natural transition within the space.

The Appeal of an Outdoor Fireplace

An outdoor fireplace brings a completely different experience to a backyard. It acts as an architectural focal point, adding a sense of permanence and refinement. Unlike a fire pit, which is open on all sides, a fireplace directs smoke upward, making it a better choice if you want to avoid shifting winds carrying smoke into seating areas.

A fireplace also provides a built-in wind barrier, which can make an outdoor living area feel more enclosed and comfortable. This feature works especially well for homeowners who want a cozy, intimate space with structured seating. Fireplaces are often integrated into covered patios or positioned near an inground pool to establish distinct zones within the landscape. Since they are typically larger than fire pits, they contribute to the overall design of an outdoor space and can be built using high-quality materials that match the home’s exterior.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you prefer a relaxed, interactive space where people naturally gather, a fire pit is likely the best choice. If you want a sophisticated, built-in structure that acts as a design feature while offering warmth, an outdoor fireplace will be a better fit.

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What Plants Are Best for a Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall is more than just a structural element—it’s an opportunity to enhance the landscape with greenery, texture, and color. A well-designed retaining wall creates natural transitions between different levels of the yard, and the right plantings make it feel like a seamless part of the environment rather than a rigid boundary.

Plants That Cascade Over Retaining Walls

Trailing plants soften the edges of a retaining wall, breaking up the solid structure with movement and seasonal interest. Creeping thyme is a favorite for this purpose, spilling beautifully over the wall’s surface while releasing a subtle fragrance. This hardy groundcover thrives in Michigan’s climate and does well in well-draining soil. Sedum is another excellent option, providing low-maintenance coverage and bursts of color in late summer and fall.

For a more dramatic cascading effect, trailing vinca offers glossy foliage and delicate purple flowers that flow over the edges of the wall. If a bolder statement is the goal, sweet potato vine delivers vibrant green or deep purple foliage that contrasts beautifully with stone or paver retaining walls.

Plants That Fill Crevices and Small Spaces

Smaller pockets of soil between stones or along the base of the wall are perfect spots for compact plants that add charm without overwhelming the structure. Coral bells are a go-to option, offering vivid red, bronze, or lime green foliage that stands out against the neutral tones of the wall. Their ability to thrive in both sun and shade makes them incredibly versatile.

Creeping phlox is another great choice, especially for early spring color. Its dense, low-growing habit allows it to tuck into rocky crevices and spill gently over edges. Ajuga, with its rich burgundy or variegated foliage, also thrives in tight spaces while providing an interesting contrast to surrounding greenery.

Plants That Thrive in Shaded Retaining Walls

If a retaining wall sits in a shaded or partially shaded area, it’s important to choose plants that can handle lower light levels while still adding lush texture. Hostas are a classic choice, with broad, bold leaves in shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns. Their ability to spread makes them a great choice for softening the base of a wall.

Ferns bring a delicate, feathery texture that pairs well with larger-leafed plants like hostas. Their preference for damp, shaded conditions makes them ideal for retaining walls that sit near wooded areas or where water naturally collects. Foamflower is another option that thrives in shade, offering small, airy blooms in the spring and attractive foliage throughout the season.

Designing a Retaining Wall That Feels Natural

Retaining walls don’t have to feel stark or overly structured. By carefully selecting plants that complement the surrounding landscape, we create designs that feel intentional and natural. Whether integrating cascading greenery, filling small crevices, or softening a shaded area with lush foliage, our approach ensures that retaining walls serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.

At Legacy Landscape, we incorporate plantings that enhance the beauty and longevity of retaining walls, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the rest of the outdoor space. Every project is tailored to fit the specific site conditions and homeowner preferences, resulting in landscapes that feel balanced, inviting, and thoughtfully designed.

Can You Put a Fire Pit on a Paver Patio?

A paver patio is one of the best surfaces for a fire pit, combining durability, style, and long-term performance. Professionally installed pavers provide a stable, fire-resistant foundation that integrates seamlessly into the overall landscape design. Whether the goal is a freestanding fire pit or a built-in feature, the right materials and installation techniques ensure a space that not only looks great but functions properly for years to come.

Choosing the Right Pavers for a Fire Pit

Not all pavers are created equal when it comes to handling heat. Some natural stones and standard concrete pavers can crack under high temperatures, especially with wood-burning fire pits. Heat-resistant pavers, such as high-density concrete or specialty fire-rated stone, offer better longevity and performance. A fire pit ring insert can also help protect the surrounding pavers from direct heat exposure.

Permeable pavers are another option for fire pit areas, allowing water to drain naturally and reducing the risk of pooling or shifting. This can be especially beneficial in Michigan’s freeze-thaw climate, where excess moisture can cause movement in less stable surfaces.

Installing a Fire Pit on a Paver Patio

A properly constructed paver patio starts with a well-compacted base, which prevents shifting and settling over time. Without this foundation, the fire pit area may develop uneven spots, leading to potential safety hazards or aesthetic concerns.

For a permanent fire pit, we often integrate it directly into the patio design, ensuring it complements the surrounding layout. A built-in fire pit can be designed with materials that match or contrast the pavers, creating a focal point within the space.

For homeowners who prefer a portable fire pit, we recommend using a protective base or heat shield beneath it. This prevents heat damage to the pavers while still offering the flexibility to move the fire pit as needed.

Creating a Fire Pit Area That Feels Cohesive

A fire pit should feel like an intentional part of the landscape, not just an add-on. Surrounding the area with thoughtfully selected plantings, seating walls, or integrated lighting enhances the ambiance while making the space more functional. When paired with features like a retaining wall, an inground pool, or an outdoor fireplace, the entire patio design comes together to create a luxurious outdoor living space.

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What Is the Best Plant to Plant Around a Pool?

An inground pool is more than just a place to cool off—it’s the centerpiece of a backyard retreat. The surrounding landscape plays a huge role in how inviting, polished, and low-maintenance the space feels. The best poolside plants enhance the beauty of the area while standing up to splashes of water, resisting chlorine exposure, and staying tidy throughout the seasons.

Poolside Plants That Provide Structure

Boxwood shrubs are a top choice for pool landscaping because of their dense, evergreen foliage and ability to hold their shape year-round. Whether used as a formal hedge or a series of sculpted accents, they provide structure and a sense of enclosure without requiring constant maintenance. Their durability and adaptability to different sun exposures make them a reliable option for Michigan landscapes.

Maiden grass is another excellent choice for adding height and movement. Its soft, flowing texture creates a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal backdrop for a luxurious poolside setting. Unlike some other ornamental grasses, it stays neat and doesn’t drop excessive debris into the water.

Flowering Plants That Thrive by the Pool

Hydrangeas bring lush, vibrant blooms and thrive in Michigan’s climate, offering a show-stopping display throughout the summer. Their large, colorful flower heads create a soft contrast against the sleek lines of the pool and surrounding hardscape. They also require minimal pruning, making them a low-maintenance but high-impact choice.

Daylilies are another great poolside plant, providing bright, cheerful blooms without excessive shedding. They can handle a range of conditions and are highly resistant to pests and disease, making them one of the easiest flowering plants to incorporate into a pool landscape.

Lilies of the Nile add a tropical feel, even in northern climates. Their elegant, long-stemmed blue or white flowers bring a sophisticated, resort-like quality to the space without creating a mess. Since they don’t shed leaves or petals frequently, they’re a great option for keeping pool maintenance to a minimum.

Plants to Avoid Near a Pool

Not all plants are suited for poolside landscaping. Thorny plants like roses can be a hazard near high-traffic areas. Trees or shrubs with heavy pollen production can create an ongoing mess, while deciduous trees that drop excessive leaves will require constant skimming. Choosing the right plantings ensures a clean, inviting space without extra maintenance.

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