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Tropical Gardens – Soul spaces
Tropical gardens are miniature re creations of the beauty of rain forests. There is order among the disorder. There is colour, shapes, textures and sizes. Some foliage rivals the flowers. They are cool, green and calming soul spaces. They are filled with life.
Tropical gardens require good rainfall or good irrigation systems for watering. These gardens typically need fertilizer and heavy mulching. They are densely planted and designed on a multilevel pattern starting with an upper canopy of taller trees, palms and plants with very large leaves, vegetation that builds in height towards the back of the garden and creates a warm microclimate, a middle layer of medium size foliage or flowering plants and the third level which starts from ground cover to shrubs of mixed heights. Spectacular patterns of color can be created by the placement of bold flowers and blooming bushes.Water is the most important element of a tropical garden. Not only do all tropical gardens needs good irrigation, water features such as ponds and fountains go a long way toward setting the mood and atmosphere of the setting. Stone statues, all forms of large pottery and collectibles can embellish the already lush surroundings
Tropical plants are a diverse group of plants, and prefer loose, acidic, well-drained and fertile soil high in organic matter. Organic mulches are by far the best to use in the tropics because as the mulch breaks down it improves the structure of the soil and encourages microbial activity in the soil.Tropical gardens are traditional in many different regions of the world and they subtly reflect the local flora. There has been so much of cross migration of plants that a Bali or Hawaii garden can be recreated in India. They are no longer exclusive to tropical areas. Many gardeners in cooler climates are adopting the tropical garden design.
The following are some tips to set up your tropical garden:
- Climate and soil type.
This is a number one consideration because not all tropical plants would grow in a certain type of climate. Most thrive in hot places while there are also others that can tolerate mild cooler climes. Special care has to be taken where the temperatures go below 10 degrees C. The soil type must also be checked and balanced.
- Layout and design.
Consider the space available and take note of existing structures and trees. On ideas how and what to do in the garden use the internet and apply the ideas you get from there into your garden. It is fine to look at others gardens and take ideas from there. You can have other amenities like a pool, outdoor dining area, and the walkways and pathways.
- Establish a shade cover.
This is important especially to areas that are hot or humid or dry. Even very wet. The shade could aid the growth of other plants that aren’t tolerant to heat.
- Fill the area with plants.
Lush foliage is important. It mimics 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. Density is essential for a tropical garden. Fill them with large leaves that have distinct shapes and colours.
- Plants with bright tropical flowers.
The more exotic the flowers are, the better. Plant the ones that have unique shapes and bright colours.
- Include a water feature.
Your tropical garden will not be complete without water. This could be a pool area or a pond. If your space is limited, a fountain will be nice. The sound of moving water and its cool feel will complete the look of your tropical garden.
- 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 like large pots with or without plants.
- Do regular maintenance.
Ensure that every plant in the garden is well and healthy. You don’t have to do that every day but regular cleaning would be needed to keep the beauty of your garden.
