Tropical Ideas For Backyard

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Create a Tropical Oasis in Your Backyard by Yourself

 

Warmer weather often prompts homeowners to start preparing their backyards for the coming summer months. If you’ve been dreaming all winter about getting away to tropical locations, then maybe you should consider transforming your backyard into your own personal tropical oasis. You may be surprised to discover just how simple it is to create the backyard of your dreams.

 

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And if you decide to transform your backyard into a tropical oasis, our tips might give you some ideas.

 

⁕ Plants, Plants, and More Plants

The key to making your backyard feel like a tropical locale is choosing the right type of plants, and planting a lot of them. Think big, bright blooms and plants with large green leaves. Remember that unless you live in an area with a warm climate, you have to be careful about the type of plants you choose.

 

If you live in an area with a moderate to cold climate, consider planting:

 

• Japanese Fiber Banana plants — which are known for their long, broad leaves. They can grow to be pretty tall, so plant them in an area with plenty of room to grow or a really large planter. Also, don’t expect these plants to produce fruit. They are purely ornamental.

 

• Soft Shield Ferns — their feathery, evergreen-colored leaves provide the perfect contrast for bright blooms.

 

• Blue Palm Trees (Sabal Minor) — it may surprise you that some palm trees can withstand colder climates, and the Sabal Minor is one of them. The small trees grow to be between three and nine feet tall, and can withstand temperatures as low as minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

• Birds of Paradise — these beautiful green-leaved plants scream tropics, but you’ll need to grow them in a planter for them to survive.

 

You can also add other plants such as ferns or reeds. If you want to add color to your garden, consider planting an array of orchids, hibiscus, canna, and agapanthus, all of which are considered to be cold-hardy plants.

Read our article to learn more about designing your yard with different types of grass, and plants such as succulents or edible trees.

 

⁕ Garden Lighting

To create a tropical atmosphere in your backyard, lighting is just as important as the type of plants you choose. String LED rope lights back and forth over your deck or patio area to create a warm, alluring atmosphere. But don’t pull the lights tight, a little slack will create a more casual vibe.

You can also use LED rope lights to line pathways through your garden or highlight your walkway.

In addition to LED rope lights, consider strategically placing tiki torches throughout your garden and use spotlights to draw attention to specific plants or trees.

Learn more about choosing outdoor ground lights for your garden in our article.

To complete the look, cover your tabletops with candles.

 

⁕ Water Element

What’s a tropical oasis without some type of water? If you’re lucky enough to have a swimming pool in your backyard, you’re all set. But if you don’t, consider building a small pond with a short waterfall. Alternatively, you could place a few fountains with a tropical appearance in your yard to enjoy the relaxing sounds of trickling water.

 

Steps to Create a DIY Mini Pond

It is very easy to build a small pond yourself.*

For this, you will need these accessories:

• an old bathtub or other large, watertight container

• a slate

• a rubber hose

• a piece of thick plastic film

• stones, sand and other elements for decor

• plants living in the water

 

Now that you have all the elements, follow these instructions:

  1. bury the bathtub so that its edges adhere to the ground
  2. dig slate around the bathtub so that its edges are 8 inches (around 20 cm) above the ground
  3. at the edge of the slate, pull a cut hose (this will protect polyethylene from cracking)
  4. close the bath and slate with polyethylene, carefully distributing it along the bottom of the future tank; the edges of the foil can be sprinkled with soil and crushed with stones
  5. pour water into the pond
  6. finally, decorate with stones and plants; water lilies can be placed in the pond itself

 

⁕ Garden Furniture

When designing your tropical garden, don't forget to include a place where you can rest and relax. We recommend placing a bench, a hammock, or a swing in your garden that you will enjoy you during summer days.

A very important thing when choosing a place for a sitting place is perspective. Consider whether you have a good view of your garden. Sit on a chair and look carefully at the plan of your garden to find out if it’s clearly visible. Check if you can see it from a satisfactory perspective and if the view at eye level. Adjust the seating as much as possible to set it in the best place.

 

 

As you can see, it isn’t difficult to transform your backyard into a tropical oasis. All you need are the right kind of plants, lighting, some kind of furniture, and a water element to complete the fun look. The main thing is that all the elements of the decoration complement each other, creating a picture of perfect harmony.