Create a tropical paradise in your garden

By Hosea Omole

Tropical areas offer abundance in landscape design. From giant blooms and lush green leaves all year round to all kinds of birds, butterflies and aquatic life, the possibilities are limitless.

For many gardeners around the world, a move to the tropics would be a dream come true. No more snow shovelling and ice, just an unending warm retreat.

What’s more? You get to grow just about anything you want. Most plants that originated from the temperate climates grow in tropical climates with increased vigour.

You can, therefore, have the best of both worlds. The major challenge with tropical gardens is actually keeping the plants from growing out of control. Here are a few tips to help you create a tropical paradise of your own.

Plants

A quality tropical landscape design is based on quality trees, palms and flowers as the foundation of the landscape. The best plants for tropical landscaping are usually verdant with thick, waxy leaves. Think bird-of-paradise, canna lily, banana trees, citrus trees, succulents, herbs, the list is literally endless.

A tropical garden

Finding the right mix from such a large template is the fun part. You can select a plant of just about any size, shape and colour.

Palm trees, however, stand out as one of the most symbolic components of a tropical landscape.

Their sheer charisma and beauty earn them the most prominent locations in the planting scheme. Climbers also reinforce that wild and rugged tropical look. Whatever plants you settle for, it is important to try and figure out how large each will eventually get to grow and space them accordingly. Knowing the mature sizes will also help you to create a hierarchy from the ground covers to the shrubs and the large trees.

Water feature

There is no better way to enhance your tropical garden than having a beautiful water feature. It needs not be big but it helps to have it distinct and packed with all the goodness of water.

The relaxing sound of cascading water, the reflective quality of still waters or its ability to sustain life are sure to add to the tropical feel and bring a more natural look to your landscape.

A pond at the end of a cascading rivulet filled with some tropical fish and aquatic plants will create a soothing and peaceful atmosphere reminiscent of a tropical forest. You can also add natural rocks and scented flowers to attract butterflies and complete your tropical theme.

Furniture and accessories

Another important factor in designing a tropical landscape is the choice of furniture. Go for wicker and tropical-themed furniture. These are often made of natural materials or an imitation of the same.

The most important thing is to find something that matches your theme and guarantees you enough comfort as you partake of your garden.

Also remember that the hot and humid conditions are likely to eat away your furniture a lot faster hence durability and regular maintenance are important considerations.

The right tropical accessories will accent your tropical paradise. Choose items that add a calm, peaceful look to your design. Think timber planters and baked clay ground as well as hanging pots.

Consider having lighting fixtures that mimic lanterns and carefully selected statues of wild animals and reptiles to add a creepy twist.