Living in a period where a growing ability to transform nature is limiting our freedom, it’s only natural to seek escapism, and nature-surrounded places are the best to offer that long-sought-after, sweet liberty feeling.
Urbanisation is excellent for the economy and development of an area, but the more greenery is taken away from us and the more time we spend indoors, the stronger the desire to connect to Mother Nature. The myriad benefits of spending time outdoors are not news to anyone: from better health to stress relief to boosted mood, it’s unimaginable what 120 minutes in nature per week can do for you. But it goes beyond strolling around the neighbourhood and into the comfort of your home.
If your garden is dormant, spring is the perfect time to transform it into an exotic piece of heaven and reap the benefits all year, so let’s find out how you can achieve it!
Grow showy flowers and greenery
Showy plants are all about catching the eye while creating that “wild forest” atmosphere you’re seeking in your tropical garden. Don’t restrict yourself when selecting your flowers and greeneries because you have a wide range of options, and the more diverse your choices, the more exotic your garden will look.
Tropical paradises don’t look the same for two consecutive days, and it always seems like it’s a different place you’re visiting owing to such abundance and foliage variety. But you, too, can accomplish this in your garden. The place where your plants grow doesn’t have to be set in stone. You can use practical planters on wheels that you can move around when you get bored with the layout and need a change. Plus, they help you create that royal “Kew Garden” look and make it easy to bring your plants inside when the cold weather approaches.
A tropical garden must be as green as possible, so get all types and colours of flower pots and hang them to make the most out of your space. Dull-looking drainpipes? Just give them a makeover with a colourful flower! Pots are produced in an eco-friendly manner and have built-in water reservoirs to ensure your plants are thriving and staying healthy long-term.
Create a cocktail spot
Who doesn’t love an alfresco drink on a sunny day, chilling at the shadow of a palm? Not only can you grow palm trees in the proper pots, but creating a cocktail spot is easy and affordable. Whether you’re into Mai Tais or Ice-Coffee, an island-style cocktail is an ideal addition, and your guests will agree.
From installing a custom wall-mounted bar to repurposing an old bench, you can create a home bar in the smallest of spaces. Here are several garden bar ideas to inspire from:
- Boho-style bars with items from your kitchen and imaginative seating to make it more inviting
- A cocktail bar in a small, nice spot or corner that is not exposed to wind or sun
- DIY and budget-friendly projects like turning a pallet idea into a table.
Include a body of water for serenity
Water is linked with freedom, health, and all positive emotions. Remember how calm and content you feel when gazing over a turquoise lake or rich-blue sea? Imagine experiencing this overwhelming emotion every day and how it will make you and your family fall in love with your patio again.
Your tropical garden needs to be complemented by a body of water, regardless of your available space. Maybe your place is limited. In that case, a fountain, pond, or plunge pool will work wonders, surrounded by vegetation. Include a table and lounge chairs around it; you’ll have the most peaceful outdoor spot.
Go wild with colours
Giving your neutral-toned furniture a stronger shade with exterior paint is easy to liven up a dull setting. It’s a fun activity for the family and won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Bright yellow tones surrounded by greenery add an instant boom of exotic vibrancy. Splashes of colour here and there will make the space feel cosy and inviting, becoming a great spot for inspiration and a highly-adored place for children.
Add height to your garden borders
Like any important detail in your garden, borders shouldn’t be overlooked. Go for a mix of heights with tall, imposing plants like bamboo and lower-growing greenery like ferns to create that “jungle” you’re aiming for.
Planting flowers like dahlias and cannas makes borders look lively and gives visitors a glimpse of what they can expect before entering your garden.
Pot up bright citrus trees
Home-grown edibles are a godsend owing to the benefits they deliver, like better nutrition and taste. Did you know there are many fruits and vegetables that you can organically grow in the proper pots, without fertilisers and pesticides? This allows you to control what you consume and can turn into a lovely hobby.
In the summer, make a show of your container displays by arranging your pots on the patio. When the chilly weather approaches and before the first frost in early November, move them inside and watch how they bring vibrancy into your rooms.
Here are several types of veggies and fruits that are convenient to grow in pots:
- Chili peppers
- Blueberries
- Blackcurrants
- Cherries
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Beans
- Apples.
Summing up
Many improvements and additions help you create that tropical vibe in your garden, from bright furnishings to stylish cocktail bars to lush-looking plants that are surprising. These are some of the loveliest tropical garden ideas, and as you can see, the best way to create a jungle outside your house is to add as much and as colourful greenery as possible. Luckily, many plants are low-maintenance and don’t require much effort, while others grow and flower quickly, which is a blessing considering the fast-paced world you’re living in.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
