Ideas how to make. Tropical Caribbean Style Garden

Separate areas for a more natural garden, I think. Start in one far corner and build from there. Sketch your ideas on squared paper. Which way is south?

Bamboos, which a few people have mentioned, keep their leaves in winter and might be good for corners.

I wouldn’t mirror each side, just try to have a random selection in each corner.

Main thing is to get started. You could get some plants now and as long as you give them plenty of water, they should be OK. Don’t think about it too long or you’ll miss another growing season!

Can you manage to visit this?
ngs.org.uk/view-garden/36463/

My sister in law living in Vancouver had a beautiful garden with a tropical feel. She had some quite large windmill palms, big canna lillies, even the hostas with large leaves gave a tropical vibe.

Get some gardening books, draw out some drawings to scale as best you can, keeping in mind where the sun shines. You may even add a glass conservatory if you have the budget. Ask your local garden club (if you have one) to recommend contractors.
Sounds like a nice plan to bring the tropics to you if you are limiting your travel... good luck and have fun planning.

I have got a sort of tropical type jungle garden, it takes quite a while to grow anything to a reasonable height, I have three mahonia shrubs which over ten years are now over ten feet tall, look very tropical, beautiful yellow flowers followed by purple berries in clusters, but very prickly foliage, evergreen. I have fatsias, palms, a tree fern, grow tree lilies in pots, smaller canna lilies also in pots to fill in spaces, my pride and joy are two daturas also in pots, also known as angel trumpets, the scent of them in the evening is heady, I often buy plants that aren’t necessarily tropical but just a bit edgy unusual, good luck with your garden, I love mine

Just remembered I’ve also bamboos, one black one particularly striking.

Are you overlooked behind those trees, NannyKisses? If not I wouldn't try and conceal them as bare branches can give a dramatic backdrop. Painting your fence in a colour that sets off foliage plants (I can recommend Cuprinol Urban Slate) can be done while you work on your planting plan.

If you are on a restricted budget I would grow anything of value in a pot to begin with. That way you can move it around the garden until you are happy with its location. The following season it should have grown on enough to make more of an impact.

You may also need a greenhouse or protected area to over winter any tender plants.

Putting quite a few things into large pots is a good idea
merlot groupings of exotic plants look great.

They grow crotons in Jamaica and hibiscus if that's any help.

I love this idea! You’ll find some great inspiration on Pinterest.

There is a Hardy Tropical UK forum for people who grow exotic plants here: www.hardytropicals.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=1

From what I have read there, (have frequently browsed it) many of the tropical plants they grow have to be brought under cover in the winter, quite a job if you aren't vary able. Some that are left in situ need to be wrapped as protection from frosts, so quite high maintenance.

You can achieve a tropical look with annual bedding plants such as coleus, but cannas do need lifting in autumn.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202408/medium-855063-g1.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202408/medium-292160-g2.jpg

Creating a Tropical Caribbean-style garden using plant nursery pots can be both practical and visually appealing. Start by selecting tropical plants that thrive in pots, such as palms, ferns, and colorful flowering plants like hibiscus and bougainvillea. Consider including dwarf tropical fruit plants like bananas or papayas for added variety. Choose large, sturdy pots made from materials like ceramic, terracotta, or durable plastic, ensuring they have good drainage. Opt for pots with vibrant colors or tropical patterns to enhance the Caribbean vibe.

Design the layout by clustering pots together to create a lush, dense look, and use elevated pots or plant stands to add visual interest and create different levels. Incorporate tropical accessories such as woven baskets, bamboo screens, or driftwood pieces around the pots, and include Caribbean-style furniture like wicker chairs or wooden benches with colorful cushions. Add small water features or fountains in some pots to enhance the tropical atmosphere with the soothing sound of running water, and consider water plants in large, shallow pots for mini water gardens.

Use colorful mulch or decorative stones in the pots to add texture and contrast, and incorporate lighting like string lights or lanterns to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Regular maintenance is key: ensure consistent watering and use a balanced fertilizer to keep plants healthy and vibrant. If you’re in a region with varying climates, use portable pots to move plants indoors during colder months or extreme weather. With these steps, you can enjoy a lush, vibrant tropical garden that brings the essence of the Caribbean to your space.

If you’re interested in using pots, you can send me an email. Here are some pot references that you might like; I hope this helps. Thank you!

Goodness, a 5 year old thread! I expect the OP’s garden is well established now

What about a Yucca?
My mother-in-law has one, it's huge now and structural, pretty dramatic with great clusters of flowers. It lives hsppily - and grows much further North.

This might be helpful:

youtu.be/7hbdHKeBldI?si=uRzxUxet8-kPlgJD

It covers 4 years.

I really think your garden will be absolutely beautiful!

I see this is a very very old post, if you are still on GN and you did get your garden done, can you post some photos please ? X

Oooh Id love to see too!

Farmor15

Banana plants can grow in our climate, though no bananas, and need protection in winter. Cordyline looks like palm tree but isn’t, so much more hardy. Gardener’s World, featured some tropical style gardens

m.youtube.com/watch?v=MbD3nLVFxdE

m.youtube.com/watch?v=vJEJHPQA3C8

www.gardenersworld.com/plants/plants-for-a-jungle-style-border/

If you search online for tropical style garden you’ll get ideas. From your photos, you need to start with lots of plants. The other things can then be fitted in. It won’t be cheap, as these type of plants tend to be expensive, unless you can get some from friends. We have banana plants from a friend and cordyline seedling from neighbour’s garden.

I can't open the links Farmor15.
Are you subscribed maybe?

One of my neighbours has banana trees, they are lovely. I'd like one if we had more space.

This op is dated July 2019

So what? It's a nice topic.

Hello again then NannyKisses

How is your garden growing please?

With the cost of large plants and the possibility of them not getting through winters, have you considered artificial ? They are expensive but you can bring them in/out and relocate them in the garden with no digging to do. Look at Blooming Artificial. Website. They have large plants and often have sales or offer discounts. If you use the truck if putting an item in the basket and leave it there then maybe they are one of those businesses that then send you a discount code to encourage a purchase

Oops, I've been caught out again with an old post !! Fairly new on GN. Apologies.