Tropical Landscaping
Whether you live in a tropical
zone (most of us don’t) or you live in a sub-tropical zone (most of us do) you
can enjoy the beautiful sights and smells of a tropical landscaping. What makes an appropriate subtropical zone?
Well, as long as the
temperature in your area does not drop below 4 degrees Celsius during the year
you can have a gorgeous tropical landscape.
One of they most symbolic
components of the tropical landscape is the palm tree. While palm trees are unusually hearty and
resilient (they can even grow in England) you should still follow these
guidelines to make sure that once you plant palms, they stay alive.
When you buy a palm, it will
probably not be mature yet. Make sure
you know how large it will grow and give it space accordingly.
You should fertilize your palm trees six times a
year. Do not exceed this amount,
it may seem like a good idea, but it could damage your trees.
Plant the palms in a planned bed, not just in
the grass. This will prevent any
competition the palm might face in its early, and crucial development.
Never use pesticides.Planting your palms first is
essential for any truly great tropical landscape. Hey will provide shade for more delicate plants and keep the soil
from eroding. Once your palms are
established, feel free to start planting exotic flowers.
This really is the fun part
as you can select a plant of just about any size and shape and any color. Your
new tropical landscaping scheme can be your canvas. Exotic flowers often don’t need too much up keep either. They may look delicate but they all come
from the most competitive jungles in the world, and they no how to take care of
themselves.
One of the only major
requirements for these plants is water, water, and water. They come from places
called rainforests, so naturally they require a lot of rain. The rain that falls naturally in your area
probably won’t be enough, so be sure to check your tropical landscape each day
and monitor which plants need what water and when.
In addition to wildlife, it
is always a good idea to supplement your garden with some inorganic
additions. A flowing waterfall will
make the area seem more natural, while a fountain can give it a Spanish
colonial look.
In order to fully enjoy your
tropical landscape you’ll probably want to install a pathway that meanders
through the garden given you and your quests a great view of all the landscape
has to offer.
Small wood chips are useful
because they absorb the odors of the garden and trap moisture, thus enhancing
the lushness of the experience. Interlocking
stone and small pebbles also make for great pathways. No matter what though, it’s all up to you, so feel free to
experiment.