Often, poolside gardens rely on variety: A mix of eclectic planters that play with different shapes and sizes. However, Dakota Johnson’s Los Angeles garden takes the opposite approach.
Along the curved wall that frames her lap pool, dozens of terracotta planters sit in a near-continuous row, creating an unconventional container garden idea that feels so architectural and calming, despite its excess.
The property, originally designed in 1947 by modernist architect Carl Maston, was later reimagined by design duo Pierce & Ward. While the interiors are known for their layered wood paneling and mid-century modern charm, the garden, or, more specifically, the pool area, is just as considered.
The uninterrupted line of terracotta pots softens the stone wall, adding warmth and texture without competing with the home’s clean geometry.
For those looking to recreate the look, this terracotta planter from Wayfair offers a very similar silhouette, with the same flared rim and a weathered finish that captures the same understated effect.
Shop the Dakota Johnson-Inspired Edit
Crescent Garden Madison Double-Walled Planter
Finished in a realistic weathered terracotta, this pot delivers that earthy, mid-century aesthetic without the heavy, fragile nature of traditional clay. Group a dozen of these along your own wall to turn standard backyard greenery into a statement.
Alvah Outdoor Eucalyptus Chaise Lounge
This lounger mimics the sleek wooden loungers seen beside Dakota's pool. Its white cushion and rich wood frame perfectly balance out an army of terracotta pots, anchoring that mid-century Hollywood aesthetic.
My favorite way to get Dakota's look is with a classic, earthy vessel like this one. To truly replicate her high-density border, grab multiples and line them along your patio edge or retaining wall. It's so simple but stunning.
A zoom into Dakota's yard shows a pair of sculptural white wire chairs at the end of the lawn. You can capture this vintage Hollywood resort vibe with this same set. The clean, architectural frames provide an airy contrast against the earthy maximalism of her terracotta pot collection.
To replicate Dakota’s high-density poolside look, start building your own pot collection with these succulents. Because they require low maintenance and can tolerate full sun once established, they are the perfect foundational plant to repeatedly cluster along a patio edge.
Storied Home Terracotta Urn Jar
The subtle weathering on these 14-inch pots gives them an instant vintage appeal that perfectly mirrors Dakota's mid-century aesthetic. Buy them in multiples to easily pull off that high-density plant border at home (no lap pool needed).
I've written about hundreds of celebrity gardens this year alone. However, I'm yet to see a single container-style pool planting technique quite like Dakota's.
According to Robert Aumann, a luxury real estate advisor and founding partner of La Jolla Life, the success of terracotta planters around a pool comes down to rhythm and restraint.
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‘Terracotta planters can make an attractive sight around a swimming pool mainly since they will add warmth and texture among harder materials such as stone, concrete, and tiles. When using many of them, the main idea is to ensure that repetition is not overcrowding and feels intentional,’ Robert notes.
This is what defines Dakota’s garden. By limiting the range of planter shapes and sizes, the repetition feels cohesive rather than cluttered.
‘I would suggest using just a few sizes and shapes instead of having too many different styles of terracotta planters. Bigger terracotta pots can look especially great when surrounding a pool or framing its corners and other parts,’ Robert explains.
‘Since terracotta usually comes with natural variations in its looks, there is no need to have all planters looking the same. However, it would still be better to try and have a cohesive color and style of pots.’
Scale is equally important. A dense row of small pots can disappear against the expanse of a pool, while medium-to-large planters create a stronger presence.
‘When it comes to scale, it should be remembered that small planters can easily get lost when placed next to a big swimming pool, while bigger pots can help in accenting architectural elements of the pool and dividing its parts into zones without building walls or other constructions,’ Robert adds.
In Dakota’s garden, the raised retaining wall becomes a natural platform for the planting, subtly separating the upper lawn from the pool terrace below. The terracotta works alongside the grass and the pool’s lines, creating a modern Mediterranean garden.
‘Another idea is to combine terracotta planters with natural materials such as wood, stone and even plants in order to achieve more organic looks around a swimming pool with its clean lines,’ says Robert.
Just as importantly, the arrangement keeps the pool deck itself relatively clear. Concentrating the planters along the perimeter preserves circulation and allows the seating area to feel open.
‘When dealing with a swimming pool and its surroundings, one needs to remember that practicality always goes before aesthetics. There is no sense in putting planters in the places where they will interfere with movement in the area or where they will be flooded by water during the cleaning process,’ Robert cautions.
The final layer is the planting itself. Rather than filling each pot with a different species, Dakota repeats similar shrubs throughout the row.
‘Finally, when placing terracotta planters around a pool, there is no need to use different plants in each of them. Instead, one can use repeated plants to make a coherent composition,’ Robert observes.
Dakota's pool area is a reminder that repetition, when used strategically, can be far more impactful than variety. We don't always have to be so eclectic, when arrangement can be just as playful.