How to Create a Backyard Rainforest

Plan the Rainforest

• 1

  Measure the backyard. Transfer the measures to graph paper, using one square for 1 foot. Indicate all existing features as well as the sun and wind directions.

• 2

  Draw the plan on the graph paper, using highlighters to indicate the planting beds. Layer the garden plants by planting taller trees and shrubs along the fence line, shorter shrubs that prefer dappled shade under the edges of the trees, and the smallest plants and ground cover next to the paths and around a water feature.

• 3

  Stand in the yard with the plan and consider the types and heights of plants. For example, around the perimeter of the yard, paw-paw trees, stiff windmill palms, clumping Fargesia bamboos and cold-hardy Musa basjoo banana plants provide shade and shelter from the wind. Indicate their positions on your plan, planting in clumps of three or five; do not line up the tall trees or plants in rows.

• 4

  Plan a water feature in the far corner of the yard where you can glimpse it between the taller plantings. Surround it with water-loving plants such as fire flags, cannas and lady's slippers, with swamp palmettos or giant elephant ears as a backdrop. Sketch a path on your plan that winds its way through the garden and past the water feature.

• 5

  Add smaller plants to your plan, such as hostas, hardy hibiscus and azaleas, along the paths and patio.

Plant the Garden

• 6

  Remove all grass and plants that do not fit your plan. Carefully dig up landscape plants to replant in the front yard or give them away through free newspaper or online advertisements.

• 7

  Install any hardscape, walks and the water feature or pond before planting the garden.

• 8

  Spread 4 to 6 inches of compost over the entire yard. Dig in with a rototiller and rake smooth.

• 9

  Arrange your plants according to the plan. Step back and look at the landscape, checking to ensure that the plants are in the appropriate shady and sunny locations.

• 10

  Dig the planting holes, three times the width of the root balls and slightly deeper than the root balls. Carefully remove each plant from its pot, sliding it into the planting hole. Spread the roots out and cover with soil, tamping gently. Water each plant thoroughly.

• 11

  Roll out the drip-watering hose, winding it among the plants. Arrange one emitter per plant and two or three per tree, directly over the root ball. Cover the garden with 3 inches of mulch, pulling it back 4 inches from the stems of the plants.

• 12

  Hang orchids and fuchsias from the eaves of the house, from tree limbs or on garden hooks along the path.

• 13

  Add decorative items such as a statue, wind chimes, twinkle lights, a gazing ball or hummingbird feeders. Arrange chairs or benches in convenient locations to enjoy the view of your rainforest.

• 14

  Dig and store tender plants, or mulch them heavily before winter. Monitor the larger plants and cover them if necessary to protect them from winter storms and frosts. Leave the mulch on the garden in the spring; simply pull it back from the plants when the weather warms and all danger of frost is past.