So, here’s a scenario to think about for a moment: just imagine stepping out into your garden and feeling as though you've been transported to an exotic paradise, far from the daily grind and unpredictable British weather. A garden that feels like a sanctuary, an escape to a lush, just a space that totally makes you think you’re at home, that you’re even in the UK for that matter. Sounds a little too far-fetched, right?
While those cosy patios are great to sit on during a warm night, you just still feel as if you’re at home, right? Sometimes, it’s nice to have that homely feeling, but it’s not always a great feeling either though. Sometimes, you just want to escape, right? But you can’t always escape; it’s not like it’s easy to just pack your bags and flee to Greece, Spain, Portugal, or Indonesia, right?
So, that’s why it’s best to think of ways how you can change your home, specifically your garden. So, with that said, here's how to push your garden to the limit and achieve that dreamy, far-off destination feel.
It’s Okay to Dream Big
If you look at most show gardens, even the local botanical garden, it’s most native species or plants that can easily thrive, right? Well, this isn’t to say you should only get exotic plants; that’s not the message at all. You just don’t need to feel stuck with natives, either. So, it’s best to understand that first. But is that all? Well, before diving into plants and décor, it's essential to envision what your exotic oasis will look like.
You should think about the places that make you feel most relaxed and inspired. Is it a tropical beach, a Moroccan courtyard, or a Balinese retreat? Now, again, these plants need to be able to survive in the UK climate, so that’s something you have to consider, too.
Begin by assessing your space and considering how you can maximise every centimeter. Do you have room for a winding path, a secluded seating area, or a small water feature? You could even look into sketching out your ideas, keeping in mind the balance between open space and the lushness you aim to create. Remember, even the smallest garden can be transformed into a vibrant escape with the right elements.
It’s All About Choosing the Right Plants
Needless to say, plants are the heart and soul of any garden transformation. So, what do you need to know when it comes to achieving that exotic feel? Well, for starters it’s really going to help to just opt for a mix of tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean plants. Ideally, it’s best to think big, bold, and vibrant. If you still want some of the basic trees in your garden, like a fruit tree, by all means, that’s fine, but just keep in mind that you’ll still need a battery powered leaf blower to deal with it all and probably a rake too. So, when you have tropical plants, there are no fallen leaves; therefore, no raking is needed.
Usually, the best place to start is palms. There was a video linked above that showed palms in a London garden, and there are plenty of palms in Cornwall (so let that be an example). But overall, palms are a fantastic choice, and varieties like the Windmill Palm, which can thrive in the UK's climate.
But you can even pair these with the architectural beauty of banana plants (and you can have it in a pot so you can bring it in during the colder months. But that doesn’t need to be all; for splashes of colour, consider exotic flowers like Cannas, Bird of Paradise (best to leave in a pot), and Hibiscus. These plants not only look stunning but also create that lush, jungle-like atmosphere.
You don’t even need to shy away from mixing in some hardy Mediterranean plants like Olive trees and Lavender, which can bring an air of the Mediterranean coast to your garden. So, just remember, variety is key – blending different heights, colours, and textures will make your garden feel more dynamic and immersive.
It Helps to Create Cosy Corners and Pathways
Have you ever been to a tropical hotel? How about a botanical garden that’s tropic-themed? Well, an essential part of transforming your garden is creating inviting nooks and pathways that encourage exploration and relaxation.
So, you’ll need to think about how you can lead the eye and foot through your garden. For example, you might want to look into curved paths made from natural stone or gravel can add a sense of mystery and adventure, guiding visitors through different areas of your oasis. Technically, in a tiny and narrow garden, this can also be done, it’ll be about playing around with plants though and figuring out what would be best.
Now, the paths are one thing, but the corners (and yes, that includes sitting areas) are just as important too. So, create cosy seating areas where you can relax and soak in the surroundings. You may even want to consider using natural materials like wood and bamboo for furniture to enhance the exotic feel. Actually, you just can’t go wrong with having a hammock. A lot of luxury exotic hotels have this, and that will definitely sell the idea that you’re not even in the UK!
You Can’t Go Wrong with Water Features
Water has a magical way of enhancing any garden, it’s preferred for adding both visual appeal and soothing sounds. Plus, what do most people do on holiday? They’re surrounded by water of course! So this is going to help sell the idea that you’re not in the UK!
It's your choice, so it could be a small pond, a bubbling fountain, or a simple birdbath; incorporating a water feature can make a significant difference in creating that exotic feel. If you’re able to create a wall-mounted fountain with a waterfall, now that will definitely sell the illusion, so it’s something to consider!
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