10 Easy Steps to Make Your Dream Tropical Garden a Reality
It’s no wonder why many people want to have a tropical garden. Whenever you hear someone referring to a garden with this style, your mind will instantly be enveloped with a romantic and exotic place that looks very much relaxing and inviting as well.
When we look at a tropical garden, we feel like it needs high maintenance, which is wrong. A garden like this would need very low attention if (and only if) you do this with proper planning.
Planning isn’t just about designing the look of your garden but also includes selecting the kind of plants that you would choose; they must be low maintenance but should still play the part in beautifying the garden.
I’m sure, if you have seen a tropical garden or a home with a tropical landscape, you will be very much inspired to have one of your own. And with this tips, you are a few steps away from your dream tropical garden.
1. Check your area’s climate and soil type.
This is a number one consideration because not all tropical plants would grow in a certain type of climate. There are some that thrive best on hot places while there are also others that can tolerate mild winters.
If your area has winter seasons, plant delicate ones on a pot and then plant them on the ground with covered mulch. When winter comes, bring them indoors.
You have to consider the amount of light that each plant variety will receive too because some plants like orchids prefer filtered light. Also, don’t forget to check the soil type because not all plants thrive on a certain type of soil.
2. Plan the layout and design of the garden.
Take a look at your space and get your pen and paper or use some software in designing the landscape. Take note of existing structures and trees. Instead of chopping down trees, surround it with plants and make it as one of the highlights of your landscape especially if it is a huge tree.
You can fit in other amenities into it like a pool, outdoor dining area, and others. Don’t forget the walkways and pathways too.
3. Hunt for inspiration.
If you are running out of ideas on what to do with your garden, the internet has so much to show you. Look for some existing tropical gardens and get some idea from it that you can apply for your garden. You might even see some plants there that you want to use. It is okay to take a look at other’s design. This will be a huge help for you.
4. Establish a shade cover.
This is important especially to areas that are hot and dry. Of course, the best shade is a big tree. The shade of the tree could aid the growth of other plants that aren’t tolerant to much heat. Some may even place a bench under it with surrounding plants.
I know you think of a pergola or some structure too to provide shade but for a tropical garden, trees will look and work best.
5. Fill the area with plants.
Ahbl Land Arch
Yes, lush foliage is very important for a tropical garden.
Remember that it mimics the look of a natural forest where plants just grown everywhere and anywhere. So instead of grouping plant species here and there, allow them to live together overlapping each other or even climbing on top of the other.
Density is essential for a tropical garden.
6. Go for large leaves.
impressionslandscape.com
Since we talked about adding more density to your garden, don’t just stick with ferns and other shrubs. Get some plants that have bold and big leaves. This will add to the tropical feel of the area.
Plants that have large leaves have beautiful colors and distinct shapes which will surely add more style to your garden. You can go for hardy bananas. They aren’t that hard to find.
7. Add bright tropical flowers.
The more exotic the flowers are, the better. The more colorful and bright they are, the more you will feel like you are really in a tropical garden! So, don’t just stick with the usual flowering plants you see in your neighbor’s garden.
Go for those that have unique shapes and bright colors. One plant with beautiful blossoms that would look great in a tropical garden is the canna.
8. Add a water feature.
Your tropical garden will not be complete without water. This could be a pool area, a spa, a hot tub or even just a pond. If your space is really limited, then a fountain will do.
The sound of rushing water and its cold feel will complete the look of your tropical garden.
9. Add some sculptures and other decors.
Finish the look by adding a beautiful sculpture, a huge rock and other features that you want to place in the garden. You can also add some structures like a Tiki bar or just extend the tropical feel into your porch by adding potted plants in it.
When you are done with the plants, don’t hesitate to decorate, decorate and decorate!
10. Do regular maintenance.
I know I mentioned that a tropical garden doesn’t really need high maintenance but it doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t maintain it at all. You must see to it that every plant in the garden is well so that they will grow healthy. Also, remove dried leaves and insects that may kill your plants.
You don’t have to do that every day but regular cleaning would be needed to keep the beauty of your garden.
The images above will surely inspire you to have your own tropical garden. But see to it that you will take note of the tips we have here. Aside from those mentioned, do not forget to add outdoor lighting. It could be a torch, a candle, and spotlights or down lights or any kind of lighting. This will greatly improve the feel of your tropical garden when night time comes. Feeling, excited? Start planning your garden now!
