Tropical Garden Landscaping Ideas

Plant Selection

• Palm trees are some of the most popular options when it comes to tropical garden landscaping. You can create a tropical space using small palm species, such as Mediterranean fan palms, as well as large varieties, such as towering wax palms. According to Farmingdale State College, to make the tropical theme really jump out at you and your guests, try planting banana plants; aroids, which have broad, roughly elephant ear-shaped leaves; and cannas, which are lily-like, brightly colored topical flowers.

Stone Solutions

• Including natural stones and rocks in your tropical garden can help tie different sections of the garden together, and can offer a visual contrast from the garden's abundant greenery. One stone solution is to set up a miniature stone garden within the space of your main tropical garden. To keep the tropical theme flowing throughout, try using lava rocks as your main material, which are igneous varieties that often form around volcanoes in tropical regions, particularly Hawaii. Also, keep in mind that plants are an important part of stone gardens. The University of Florida suggests scarlet plumes (Euphorbia fulgens) and century plants (Agave) as excellent additions to tropical-style rock gardens.

Water Features

• Water features such as fountains and cascading waterfalls can serve as visually stunning focal points within tropical gardens. The flowing water from these features can also create soothing, natural backing soundtracks for your garden, adding to its appeal. If you have the space, try incorporating a pond into your garden landscape, and then stock it with colorful koi fish.

Lighting

• You may want to include tropical theme lighting, such as tiki torches, in your garden.