Tropical
GARDEN IDEAS Transform your garden into an exotic oasis for an instant holiday vibe xotic gardens equal drama and atmosphere. This style of garden will act as an escape from daily reality and transport us to faraway holiday destinations. Although the look hails from warmer climes, it’s easy to adapt it to your own gardens to bring the tropics right into our own back gardens, whatever the weather. Exotic style relies on evergreens rather than colour combinations, which means it looks lush all year, and plenty of exotic-looking plants are hardy in UK winters. Others, like the banana tree Musa basjoo, are still fine as long as they’re brought inside for the colder months. You don’t need oodles of space to create a tropical-style garden – this planting is a great solution for smaller urban plots too. What’s more, by using large architectural plants you can easily create sheltered private spaces in yor garden as well as screen out ugly buildings. And with urban heat islands we can grow tender plants for longer in the season. Get inspired to see what you can achieve in your space, and you might even feel like you’re on holiday all year round.
E
38 YOUR PERFECT GARDEN
Get inspired by your favourite vacations For exotic inspo, look online at your favourite destinations, or get ideas from holiday photos. You don’t have to start from scratch – you can transform your existing garden by taking up the lawn, putting in a path, and planting around that. Include a patio or decking so you’ve got a secluded place to sit. Be sure to add a pretty shade sail or a parasol. Soft pastel paint shades will give a warm and tropical feel.