Tropical Landscaping Ideas

Tropical landscaping ideas are not necessarily limited to areas of the country that enjoy a humid, tropical climate. Although a moist environment may be ideal for growing certain exotic plants, you can re-create the lush, verdant atmosphere of the tropics in almost any region by applying imaginative landscaping ideas. Pictures of exotic backyard sanctuaries and serene water gardens can inspire you with ideas for transforming your own yard into a miniature oasis.

When you imagine tropical landscaping ideas, you may think of the trees, flowers and shrubs that are native to Polynesia or South America. Palm trees, bromeliads, orchids, bird of paradise, hibiscus and gardenia grow naturally in Hawaii, Florida and areas of the US that enjoy warm, humid conditions throughout the year. If you live in an arid or cold climate, growing some of these plants outdoors may not be realistic. Expand your patio landscape ideas to include rocks, statuary and leafy plants that produce a lot of greenery.

Exotic Foliage Ideas

Whether you're modeling your landscaping ideas on a jungle, a desert oasis or a rain forest, foliage is a key element in your design. If you're able to grow exotic trees and shrubs in your hardiness zone, these plants can be the foundation for your tropical landscaping ideas. Palm and banana are hardy plants that can grow in many climates. Use these larger trees as focal points in your tropical landscaping ideas, with clumps of perennials and flowering shrubs to add texture and color to the landscape.

Bamboo is versatile and easy to cultivate, and the whisper of bamboo leaves will enhance the tropical atmosphere that you're creating in your front yard. If you live in a region of the country that experiences four distinct seasons, look for a cold-hardy bamboo that can withstand the changes in the weather. In the Northeast and Midwest, hardy bamboo may prefer shady areas that receive only a moderate amount of partial sunlight. Sun-tolerant bamboo species thrive in the warm, humid, sunny conditions of the South and Southeast.

With tropical landscaping ideas, you can let your imagination run wild. Exotic landscaping should included an abundance of shapes, textures and colors. Highly formal gardens may be too structured for tropical landscaping projects, which should reflect the vivid hues and sensations of the jungle. Combine shrubs, perennials and trees in eclectic groupings to replicate the lush variety of plants that grow naturally in a rain forest. If you live in an area where exotic flowers don't thrive outdoors, focus on colorful bulbs or bright annuals in shades of red, yellow and orange.

Tropical Design Elements

Many traditional landscapes are based on visual ideas. Tropical landscaping projects can incorporate sound to create the impression that you've entered an exotic paradise. The sounds of an exotic pet bird or a trickling water sculpture can evoke a feeling of being in the tropics, even if you happen to live in Indiana or Michigan. The rustling of large, heavy leaves can surround you with images of tropical beaches as you stroll along the winding flagstone or oyster shell paths that you've constructed in your backyard.

No matter where you live, a sunken pool can be the centerpiece for an exotic landscaping project. If possible, choose an area of your yard that enjoys partial shade, so the pool can serve as a cool retreat on summer afternoons. Plant hostas, phildendrons, impatiens, ferns or other shade-loving species around the edges of the pond to accent this unique feature and bring your tropical landscaping ideas to life. A screen of bamboo can form a semi-circle of green foliage around the pond, providing shade and a shelter for local birds.

Accent your sunken pond and bamboo grove with Asian statuary or bird baths. For outdoor entertaining, install tiki lamps or solar lights around the pool in the evenings. A bamboo tiki hut can be a fun setting for summer barbecues or quiet afternoons of reading and contemplation. With tropical landscaping ideas, you can indulge your taste for the unusual and luxurious by creating a private sanctuary in the midst of a hectic world.

Unless you live in a humid region, your tropical landscaping ideas may require more maintenance than a traditional lawn and flower garden. Although you can find hardy bamboo, palms and banana plants by browsing through specialty nurseries in your area, these plants typically require more attention and care than local species. To ensure that your plants retain moisture after watering, line the beds with mulch. The mulch will also lend a rich, loamy scent to your miniature rain forest.

Tropical landscaping ideas can transform a small patio or balcony. Build a tiny oasis at your apartment or townhome with a water sculpture and hummingbird feeder. Add potted palms or bamboo and a grouping of colorful bromeliads to create a serene personal getaway.

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