#variegated bougainvillea

[vampirostrega]

Various shades of blooming bougainvillea 💖

[knightotoc]

"The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain. I had to follow the sound of it for a moment, up and down, with my ear alone, before any words came through. A damp streak of hair lay like a dash of blue paint across her cheek, and her hand was wet with glistening drops as I took it to help her from the car."

-- The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

[frogwynwebber]

Noticed this at work. It's my last day buried in the interior of the plant, so I won't be walking past so many oddities. Apparently I am unobservant though, I have been walking past this for four weeks now without realising. Admittedly it's tucked in between the building and the hired air compressors, where access is barricaded.

[conciergebloom]

Seasonal Plantscape Guide for Boca Raton Gardens

Boca Raton, Florida, with its warm climate and coastal charm, offers a fantastic environment for creating stunning seasonal gardens year-round. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, understanding which plants thrive during different seasons will help you maintain a lush and vibrant landscape throughout the year. With mild winters, hot summers, and abundant sunshine, Boca Raton provides the perfect setting to enjoy a diverse range of plants that suit the region's unique climate.

Understanding Boca Raton's Climate

Before diving into plant selections, it’s important to understand Boca Raton’s climate and growing conditions. The region falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 10, which means:

Warm, humid summers with temperatures reaching the high 80s and 90s.

Mild winters with occasional dips but rarely freezing temperatures.

Well-draining, sandy soils that often need organic amendments for optimal plant health.

Seasonal rainfall patterns, with wetter summers and drier winters.

With these factors in mind, let's explore the best plants for each season to keep your Boca Raton garden thriving year-round.

Spring Plantscape Ideas

Spring in Boca Raton brings ideal growing conditions with moderate temperatures and increasing rainfall. It’s a great time to refresh your garden with vibrant colors and lush foliage.

Best Spring Plants for Boca Raton:

Bougainvillea: This hardy, drought-tolerant vine bursts into a riot of pink, red, and purple blooms in spring, adding a tropical touch to your landscape.

Hibiscus: These large, showy flowers provide instant impact and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Gardenia: Known for its fragrant white blooms and glossy green leaves, gardenia thrives in Boca Raton’s warm spring climate.

Petunias: Perfect for garden beds and containers, petunias come in various colors and provide long-lasting blooms throughout the season.

Crown of Thorns: A low-maintenance succulent with bright red or pink flowers that can handle the heat as spring progresses.

Spring Gardening Tips:

Start fertilizing plants with balanced nutrients to encourage new growth.

Add mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

Prune winter-damaged branches to encourage healthy development.

Summer Plantscape Guide

Summers in Boca Raton are hot and humid, making it essential to select heat-tolerant plants that can handle intense sun exposure and occasional heavy rains.

Best Summer Plants for Boca Raton:

Plumeria: Known for their fragrant flowers and tropical appeal, plumeria thrives in the heat and requires minimal watering.

Lantana: These hardy, drought-resistant flowers attract butterflies and add vibrant color even during the hottest months.

Palms: Varieties like the Areca Palm and Sabal Palm add shade and structure to your summer garden.

Coleus: With colorful foliage in shades of red, green, and purple, coleus can brighten up shady spots.

Zinnias: These cheerful annuals are heat-tolerant and come in a variety of bright colors.

Summer Gardening Tips:

Water plants early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Ensure good airflow around plants to prevent fungal diseases.

Consider adding shade structures or planting taller trees to protect sensitive plants.

Fall Plantscape Planning

Fall in Boca Raton is a transition period with cooler temperatures and reduced humidity, making it a perfect time for planting hardy flowers and vegetables.

Best Fall Plants for Boca Raton:

Marigolds: These cheerful flowers are heat-tolerant and bloom well into the fall season.

Chrysanthemums: Perfect for autumn landscapes, mums come in warm colors that complement the fall season.

Crotons: Their colorful, variegated foliage adds warmth and vibrancy to fall gardens.

Snapdragons: Ideal for cooler temperatures, snapdragons add vertical interest and bright colors.

Herbs like basil, mint, and thyme: The cooler weather makes it easier to grow fresh herbs for your kitchen.

Fall Gardening Tips:

Begin planting cooler-weather vegetables like lettuce and kale.

Prune back overgrown summer plants to encourage fresh growth.

Add compost to enrich the soil before winter.

Winter Plantscape Selection

Winter in Boca Raton is mild, allowing for continued gardening with certain plants that can tolerate cooler evenings while still thriving in the daytime warmth.

Best Winter Plants for Boca Raton:

Poinsettias: Known for their festive red and green foliage, poinsettias are a great addition to winter landscapes.

Begonias: These versatile plants provide color and work well in shaded garden areas.

Impatiens: Perfect for adding bright pops of color in winter gardens.

Ornamental Kale and Cabbage: These hardy plants add unique textures and colors to winter gardens.

Camellias: Their beautiful blooms add charm and elegance during the cooler months.

Winter Gardening Tips:

Protect sensitive plants from occasional cold snaps with frost cloth.

Reduce watering as plant growth slows during the cooler season.

Continue weeding and mulching to maintain healthy soil.

Designing a Year-Round Plantscape

Creating a year-round plantscape in Boca Raton involves careful planning and selecting a mix of perennials, annuals, and shrubs that provide interest in every season. Consider incorporating:

Native plants that thrive in Boca Raton’s climate with minimal maintenance.

Drought-tolerant varieties to reduce water usage during dry seasons.

Colorful combinations that change with the seasons for continuous visual appeal.

Layering techniques, such as tall palms with understory shrubs and ground covers.

Conclusion

With its year-round growing potential, Boca Raton offers endless opportunities to create a stunning seasonal plantscape. By selecting the right plants for each season and following essential gardening tips, you can enjoy a thriving and colorful garden that enhances your outdoor space. Whether you're drawn to vibrant tropical flowers, lush greenery, or low-maintenance native plants, there's something for every gardening enthusiast in Boca Raton.

So, grab your gardening tools, get inspired, and start planning your perfect seasonal garden today!

[madamemidnight]

Chapter 97: Fruits and Flowers

Claire sees more of the property and house.

This is a very visual chapter, so here's some images to help. Took me hours to find exactly what I was looking for.

We'll start outside.

The ornamental trees in the orchard.

White Orchid

Jacaranda

Royal Poinciana

The Pergola

Some of the less common mentioned flowers in the garden.

Mixed Bougainvillea Tree

Bromeliad

Variegated Giant Canna Phasion

Bird of Paradise

Inside: This is what the crawling/balance block looks like. It's to help infants and toddlers with their balance while crawling and children can use to for the same thing while walking.

[indiangardening]

Bougainvillea Care: A Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for Your Bougainvillea Plant

Bougainvillea is a beautiful twelve-month flowering plant. The plant is evergreen and grows rapidly. Grows easily in balcony or terrace gardens. Bougainvillea plants can also be seen hanging on the main gate of garden houses, duplex villas, or urban balconies. Flowering usually occurs from December to August or September, but some species flower throughout the year. The variegated flowers are…

[sainurserypendlehill]

Blooming Beauty: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Caring for Bougainvillea

Introduction: Bougainvillea is a spectacular flowering plant renowned for its vibrant colors, prolific blooms, and ability to thrive in various climates. Originating from South America, this woody vine has captured the hearts of gardeners worldwide with its breathtaking display of papery bracts. Whether cascading over walls and trellises or adorning containers on patios, bougainvillea adds a touch of tropical elegance to any landscape. In this guide, we'll delve into the essentials of growing and caring for bougainvillea, ensuring that you can cultivate these botanical marvels with confidence and success.

Getting to Know Bougainvillea:

Bougainvillea belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family and comprises numerous species and cultivars, ranging from compact shrubs to sprawling vines.

Renowned for its dazzling bracts, bougainvillea flowers are small and inconspicuous, with papery, colorful bracts surrounding them in shades of pink, red, purple, orange, and white.

Bougainvillea is native to tropical and subtropical regions, thriving in warm climates with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.

Selecting the Right Variety:

Choose a bougainvillea variety suited to your climate and space requirements. Compact cultivars are ideal for containers and small gardens, while vigorous vines are perfect for covering fences and arbors.

Consider the desired color and growth habit when selecting a variety, as bougainvillea comes in a wide range of hues and forms, including dwarf, thornless, and variegated types.

Providing Optimal Growing Conditions:

Sunlight: Bougainvillea thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant flowering. Plant them in a location with southern or western exposure for optimal blooming.

Soil: Plant bougainvillea in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 6.5). Sandy loam or sandy clay soil amended with organic matter provides an ideal growing medium.

Watering: While bougainvillea is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during the growing season, especially in hot, dry climates. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

Temperature: Bougainvillea thrives in warm temperatures and is sensitive to frost. Protect plants from freezing temperatures by covering them with frost cloth or bringing potted specimens indoors during winter.

Planting and Pruning:

Plant bougainvillea in spring after the threat of frost has passed, spacing them at least 3 to 5 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

Prune bougainvillea regularly to maintain shape and promote flowering. Remove dead or damaged branches, and prune lightly after each flowering cycle to encourage new growth and blooming.

Wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning bougainvillea, as the plant's thorns can cause irritation to the skin.

Fertilizing and Feeding:

Feed bougainvillea with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, and water the plant thoroughly after feeding to prevent fertilizer burn.

Managing Pests and Diseases:

Monitor bougainvillea for common pests such as aphids, scales, and caterpillars, and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Keep an eye out for signs of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot, especially in humid conditions. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering to minimize disease risk.

Conclusion: Bougainvillea captivates with its stunning bracts, vibrant colors, and resilience, making it a cherished addition to gardens and landscapes around the world. By providing the right growing conditions, regular care, and attention, you can enjoy a profusion of blooms and lush foliage from these remarkable plants year after year. Embrace the beauty of bougainvillea and let its vibrant presence transform your outdoor spaces into tropical paradises.

[sultankudaratofficial]

Qetsiyah Eco Park: A Botanical Oasis In Tacurong

Tucked in the heart of Tacurong, is a hidden paradise that effortlessly combines the quiet beauty of nature with the vivid hues of an artist’s canvas. Qetsiyah Eco Park, is a paradise for nature lovers and individuals in search of a tranquil getaway, a sanctuary that seamlessly merges the natural beauty of flora with innovative attractions. Qetsiyah Eco Park is a haven of natural beauty, where visitors can lose themselves in the stunning landscapes, vibrant vegetation, and captivating night atmosphere.

A Botanical Wonder that is Qetsiyah Eco Park

Qetsiyah Eco Park is a breathtaking display of nature’s true beauty, unfolding like a living canvas. The landscape is beautifully decorated with a variety of plants, ranging from the lush greenery of native species to the vibrant bursts of color from bougainvillea flowers.

The park is transformed into a vibrant loom as the flowers, with their variegated colors and grafted combinations, create a kaleidoscope of hues in all stems and branches, making it look extremely fancy. Visitors may also explore the meticulously maintained pathways, immersing themselves in the beauty of nature’s masterpieces. 

Sky Bike Adventure:

Experience the thrill of the sky bike at Qetsiyah Eco Park, perfect for those seeking adventure. Hovering above the idyllic scenery, guests have the opportunity to cycle through the canopies, relishing in a panoramic perspective of the vibrant blossoms beneath them. This exhilarating experience not only gets your heart racing, but also helps you forge a profound bond with the stunning natural surroundings.

Tranquil Water Pond with Koi Fishes:

Located within the park is a serene water pond, home to elegant koi fish gracefully swimming about. The pond creates a serene atmosphere, encouraging visitors to take a moment and appreciate the tranquil surroundings. The enchanting dance between water and light gives rise to a captivating reflection of the vibrant landscape, making it a sought-after destination for b

Qetsiyah Eco Park boasts a thoughtfully positioned view deck that perfectly showcases the breathtaking variety of landscapes and flowers. From this elevated vantage point, visitors can soak in the stunning panorama, creating an ideal backdrop for photography enthusiasts or anyone looking for a moment of awe-inspiring reflection.

Enchanting Nightscapes:

As the sun sets, Qetsiyah Eco Park undergoes a breathtaking transformation, becoming a captivating wonderland that is bathed in the gentle glow of ambient lighting. The strategically positioned lights and well-designed pathways enhance the inherent charm, resulting in a delightful and cozy ambiance. Walking through the park at night offers a sensory journey, creating an ideal backdrop for couples or individuals in search of a peaceful retreat.

In-House Cafe Delights:

Qetsiyah Eco Park offers an in-house cafe that satisfies the culinary cravings of its guests, adding to the overall sensory experience of nature. With a wide range of options, the cafe’s menu is sure to please any appetite, whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, a juicy burger, or a refreshing milkshake. Guests have the opportunity to savor delectable delights amidst the breathtaking beauty of the park.

Whimsical Cacti Field:

Infusing the park’s attractions with a playful charm, you’ll find a delightful field of grafted cacti. These one-of-a-kind specimens showcase a deep green foundation paired with a vibrant, grafted neon top, creating the illusion of miniature trees with whimsical-looking heads. This unique addition brings a fun and lighthearted touch to the park, encouraging visitors to appreciate the incredible variety of plants.

A Sanctuary Away from the Everyday:

Qetsiyah Eco Park also welcomes its guests seven days a week, from 8 am to 7 to offer a serene sanctuary for those seeking respite from the chaotic pace of daily life, allowing them to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world. The tranquil environment and wide range of attractions create the perfect setting for building strong connections with loved ones, companions, and coworkers.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Qetsiyah Eco Park, where you may lose yourself in the vibrant landscapes and embark on thrilling adventures like riding the sky bike. It’s the perfect getaway to reconnect with nature and find solace in its embrace.

Qetsiyah Eco Park in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, beautifully showcases the harmonious blend of nature’s wonders and human ingenuity. Indulge yourself in the breathtaking landscapes, colorful blooms, and captivating attractions of the park, and experience a sensory escape like no other. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Qetsiyah Eco Park, where you can bask in the sun or soak up the enchanting atmosphere of the night. Prepare for an extraordinary experience that will leave you in awe of the wonders of the natural world.

Qetsiyah Eco Park: A Botanical Oasis in Tacurong (sultankudarat.com)

https://sultankudarat.com/qetsiyah-eco-park/

[queer-ecopunk]

@skychimera

The white and red flowers are a bleeding heart vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae)

The pink flowers are a variegated Bougainvillea species

The little white flower is a snowrose (Serissa foetida)

More greenhouse vibes for y'all

[cleveaaj]

Newest addition to my #bougainvillea collection. #variegated #tropicalPlants (at Orlando, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6I-c9epr6h/?igshid=1ik73bhlfaxfk

[sallybergesen]

The Mothership

I step out of my Mom’s house in Port Isabel, Texas. The air feels like a weighted blanket of heat and vapor. Her massive garden rises all around, twelve to twenty feet high, with soaring banana leaves, enormous monstera, and cascading bougainvillea. Like I’ve seen her do my whole life, she has culled from the earth an incredible bounty - full of layers and shapes and color.

Mexican-flag colored string lights hang down from the driveway. I walk past the garden, onto the street, and toward the water - two blocks away. The residential neighborhood is quiet, with a few kids’ toys laid about on grass lawns. Small brick houses with whirring AC units, the occasional dog behind a fence.

The water is an inlet, connected to the bay side of South Padre Island and several miles away from the breaking waves of the Gulf. The water appears thick and green and dark. Along the edge is a seafood wholesaler in a low slung building. Below that is a shrimping boat with a large man at the wheel. He seems pleased and smiles up at me as if to say, “wanna go?”

I take a seat at the picnic table and strain my eyes to the Southern horizon. I know where to look, based on prior visits. There, a couple miles away, I can see a large building next to some narrower structures: SpaceX. Specifically, SpaceX Starbase – where dozens of engineers build massive, next-generation rockets for launching cargo and people on missions to the moon and Mars.

Starbase is so close to Mexico, that I imagine employees could walk down to the US-Mexico border and sit on the banks of the Rio Grande. I doubt anybody does though. Grassy marshlands, clouds of mosquitoes, and herds of prickly pear... you’d have to be looking for a fight. 

During my visits here, I’ve heard the locals talk about SpaceX. The sounds they hear when tests are being conducted. The times when they might see a rocket launch. Or the talk of real estate prices and rent hikes. At the edge of town, next to the Walmart and an RV park, a billboard blares, “Beach & Beyond!” with a picture of a rocket ship next to some beach towels.

It’s interesting to think about what people build. The size, the scope, the purpose. There is that which we don’t have – and we reach to. The moon, the stars, the planets. And there is that which we have – and quickly leave behind. The earth, the water, the plants.

While it’s unlikely we will colonize a new planet in our lifetime, the one we have is in dire need of preservation. Imagine what might happen if the amount of money, technology, and innovation that is going into SpaceX were directed at something like, say, fresh drinking water. Just two states away, 150,000 residents of Jackson, Mississippi are in crisis.

At the end of my trip, I arrange for a local taxi to take me to the airport. Before dawn, a woman driver pulls up in a minivan. She’s speaking both Spanish and English into the radio, tracking dispatches. Afterwards, we get to talking. She recognized my Mom’s house, and guessed that I was her daughter. “Your Mom,” she says… “One time she gave me a beautiful plant. No flowers, just beautiful leaves,” and she made the shape of the leaves with her hands.

As we drive through the dark toward the airport, I think about my Mom’s garden – growing, reaching upward to the stars. What miracle of life is this? Right here on Earth. The Mothership.

*** 🌿Post-script for the gardeners. My Mom’s favorite TX plants include:

Variegated Shell Ginger or Alpinia Zerumbet Varigata

Bougainvillea

Liriope Big Blue

Delonix Regia or Royal Poinciana

Rhapsody Excelsior or Lady Palm

Canna, Black Knight 

Various ferns

Birdsnest Anthurium

Banana

Pseudo-bombax or Shaving Brush Tree

Zamia Furfuracae or Cardboard Palm

[plantstudyspace]

Roses and camellias. But the rose-like pink and white camellias. I think they're my favourite flowers.

Bougainvillea though I think are my favourite plants. I can't decide on what colour though. The pink, the pink and orange, the orange? Perhaps the pink and orange with the variegated leaves. Or the pink and white?

Camellia hedges, rose bushes twined through a trellis, bougainvillea spilling over a balcony, fence, pergola. I can't think of anything more perfect.

[bambooplantsforsale]

What is the fastest Growing Plant to use for Privacy? Bamboo for privacy is the fastest growing plant. #bambooforprivacy #privacybamboo #fastgrowingprivacy #fastgrowingtrees #fastgrowinghedge #bamboonursery #bambooretail #bamboowholesale. Replace your slow growing Azaleas,Bougainvillea, Clusia, Leland Cypress, Podocarpus, and Walter's Viburnum and replace with our fast growing bamboo for privacy Graceful Bamboo Textilis Gracilis Alphonse Karr Asian Lemon Rg Dwarf Tropical Blue Bamboo Black Bamboo Dwarf Bamboo Dwarf Buddha belly Striped Dwarf Buddha Belly Green Hedge Golden Goddess FernLeaf bamboo Cool Buddha Solitude bamboo Chinese Dwarf Bamboo Yin Yang Nana Bamboo Golden Bamboo Seabreeze bamboo Giant bamboo Oldhamii Giant Timber Albostriata bamboo Emerald bamboo Dwarf Malay variegated www.ocoeebamboofarm.com (at Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl3Y-PbuWJW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[loriedarlin]

https://500px.com/photo/64931861/variegated-bougainvillea-by-g10-photography photo by  G10 Photography https://500px.com

[livingcorner]

How To Plan A Tropical Garden – Australian Handyman Magazine@|how to plant a tropical garden@|https://www.handyman.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/o-landscaping-design-a-tropical-garden-jul15p116-MAIN.jpg@|21

How To Plan A Tropical Garden

 ⁄&nbsp

[external_link_head]Garden ⁄&nbsp Flowers & Plants ⁄&nbsp How To Plan A Tropical Garden

Create your very own lush landscape in the backyard whatever the climate

Words and Pictures: Cheryl Maddocks

Holidays and gardens have a lot in common, as they’re both about relaxation and pleasure.

And if you associate the tropics with wonderful vacations, you may want to keep the holiday spirit alive by creating your own permanent tropical retreat at home.

You need a rich mix of foliage textures and colours for a peaceful exotic garden mood.

Think large vibrant foliage, flamboyant flowers and eye-catching architectural statement plants.

This garden style isn’t exclusive to the tropics, as it’s also ideal for gardens that are frost-free and can provide shelter for plants from the hot afternoon sun.

Group plants with different leaf shapes together to bring out the best in both and use variegated foliage to break up green compositions.

Caring for your garden

Give your tropical plants a little TLC to keep them looking their best.

DIG copious amounts of well-rotted manure or compost into the soil. Organic matter will hold moisture in the soil to keep your large-leafed plants healthy.

FEED generously with compost or cow manure in the spring and summer.

MULCH around the plants with composted leaves, lucerne hay or pea straw to keep roots cool and retain moisture, topping up as needed.

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WATER regularly using a hose or install a drip-watering system.

Group plants with different leaf shapes together to bring out the best in both and use variegated foliage to break up green compositions

Plant in layers

Tropical gardens are densely planted, which gives them their lush look.

They’re designed on three levels, starting with an upper canopy of taller trees and palms that create a warm microclimate and provide shade and protection for lower plants.

The middle layer is made up of shrubs and tall perennials, then at soil level, low growers give a mix of leaf textures and colours.

While the foliage colour is important, the structure, texture, shape and composition are also key considerations.

There is a huge variation in foliage shape, colour and texture, and while mainly green, it can also be colourful.

Upper canopy

You can use any trees in the upper canopy and intersperse them with palms, tall tree ferns and tall shrubs.

TOP PICKS Golden cane palm (Dypsis lutescens), kentia palm (Howea forsteriana), majestic palm (Ravenea rivularis), Alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae), giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum), frangipani, lilly pilly, ivory curl tree (Buckinghamia celsissima) and brugmansia.

Brugmansia boasts masses of spectacular flowers in summer

Middle layer

Choose plants 1-2m high with luxuriant foliage in different shades and shapes, and featuring stunning flowers.

TOP PICKS Clustered parlour palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii), lady palm (Rhapis excelsa), canna lily, zebra plant (Calathea zebrina), elephant’s ear (Alocasia and Colocasia), flag ginger (Costus), shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet), blue ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora), heliconia, strelitzia, gardenia, cane begonia, cordyline, yucca, Fijian fire plant (Acalypha) and Brazilian plume (Justicia carnea).

Colourful canna lilies and cordylines make great accent plants in the middle layer

Low growers

When it comes to the lower layer, dense planting adds to the rich feeling of a tropical-style garden.

TOP PICKS Bromeliad, bird’s nest fern, Philodendron ‘Xanadu’, cycad, clivia, lily turf, acalypha, aglaonema, caladium, coleus, croton, maranta, calathea and impatiens.

Croton is an eye-catching choice for the low layer

Enhance the look by attaching bromeliads, Spanish moss, epiphytic orchids and staghorn or elkhorn ferns to trees

Add a pond

Water is an important part of the tropical look, so add a pond. And if you include a fountain, you’ll also benefit from the soothing sound of running water.

But if space is limited, plant a water bowl. The plants need to be positioned at the correct height in the water. Lotus plants and waterlilies should go deep in the water while others do best with the rim of the pot just above water level.

You can gain the correct height for the pots by standing them on bricks or an empty upturned pot in the base of the water container.

If a pond isn’t an option, create an imitation stream bed with pebbles and rocks, softening the edges with overhanging plants

Did you know?

Stone and terracotta plant pots add to the tropical ambience, especially when they have aged. You can speed up the ageing process by painting them with a solution of diluted yoghurt.

Plant up the pots with colourful dwarf bougainvillea, New Guinea impatiens or tropical rhododendrons (Vireya Group)

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Lay terracotta urns among plants and add statues to complete the look

Pave the way

When it comes to creating a tropical feel, any pathways you build should have a natural appearance.

Stone pavers combined with gravel or interplanted with miniature mondo grass, or railway sleepers used with pebbles or bark mulch look great.

A slightly raised path made from timber decking boards always works well in this kind of lush setting.

If you already have unappealing concrete floors or pathways in the backyard, you can also lay boards on top to conceal them from view.

Furniture to fit

Cane, timber, stone and concrete furniture all suit a tropical-themed garden, so team cane Asian-style furniture with lots of cushions.

Add a day bed to provide a place where you can relax and enjoy your luscious new garden.

Timber benches, chairs and tables can be left unpainted if you want a simple look or brightly coloured for a more exotic appearance.

If you have any unsightly walls or fences you want to conceal, bamboo screens are ideal for this purpose.

Planting in cool climes

You can still create a tropical-style garden in a cool frost-free or temperate area. The plants you select may not be tropical in origin, but as long as they have the look, they’ll work.

Upper canopy Suitable palms for this layer include Bangalow palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana), European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis) and Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei).

Lilly pilly, Magnolia ‘St Mary’, Michelia albaand clumping bamboo are good for screening, while tall tree ferns and Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum) provide height and shade.

Middle layer Use flax, cordyline, Beschorneria yuccoides, yucca, Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’, strelitzia, cane begonia, Fatsia japonica, ginger lily (Hedychium) and ornamental grasses.

Low growers Go for plectranthus, cast iron plant, impatiens, ferns, lamium, helleborus, arum lily, clivia, day lily, bromeliad and hosta.

GROW TIP Choose plants with large, colourful leaves that shout a tropical hello and they’ll fit into the scheme.

Bangalow palm

Fatsia japonica

Plectranthus [external_footer]

source https://livingcorner.com.au/how-to-plan-a-tropical-garden-australian-handyman-magazinehow-to-plant-a-tropical-gardenhttps-www-handyman-net-au-wp-content-uploads-2019-11-o-landscaping-design-a-tropical-garden-jul15p1/

[realityseo]

Variegated Pink & White Bougainvillea #mv_floral / on Instagram https://ift.tt/2rZphSK