Imagine stepping into your garden and being instantly transported to a lush, tropical paradise – a haven of vibrant colours, swaying palms, and exotic foliage that delights the senses year-round. At the Nursery we have carefully curated just that with selection of tropical palms and exotic plants in an are that we have dubbed ‘The Palm House’ not so much to create a growing habitat for these tropicals, but to have a space where they look good and give you that feel in one spot where you can come to view them and also to protect them for winds, so that they don’t blow over on the nursery as they are all in pots! We love this carefully curated selection, so we can’t resist filling this space to the brim, so that we can easily help you transform your outdoor space into a captivating oasis that remains lush and vibrant in every season. Let us elaborate on how you can create your own year-round paradise using some of our diverse array of tropical specimens, including Canna, Chamaerops, Cordylines, Fatsia, Dryopteris, Yucca, Phormium, and of course, Palm trees.
Palm Trees as the Backbone: Palms are the quintessential symbols of tropical landscapes, adding vertical interest, architectural elegance, and a sense of exoticism to any garden. Choose palm varieties that are well-suited to your climate and space, such as the graceful Chamaerops humilis (European fan palm), the stately Trachycarpus fortunei (windmill palm), or the majestic Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island date palm). Plant them strategically throughout your garden to create focal points, provide shade, and anchor your tropical paradise.
The add Dramatic Foliage with Cordyline and Phormium: Cordyline and phormium are stunning foliage plants that add drama and texture to tropical gardens. With their bold, sword-shaped leaves in hues of green, burgundy, bronze, and pink, they create striking focal points and provide contrast against the lush greenery of palm trees. Plant them in containers or as accent specimens near pathways, patios, or water features to infuse your garden with tropical flair.
Exotic Blooms with Canna: Canna lilies are renowned for their vibrant blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, which add a burst of colour and tropical charm to any garden. Plant them in borders, containers, or along water features to create eye-catching displays of exotic flowers. With their lush foliage and prolific blooms, cannas are sure to attract the birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
Architectural Interest with Fatsia and Yucca: Fatsia japonica, with its large, glossy leaves and striking form, adds a touch of architectural interest to tropical gardens. Plant it in shady areas or as a backdrop to other plants to create a lush, tropical backdrop. Yucca plants, with their spiky leaves and dramatic silhouette, provide a bold accent in sunny, well-drained locations. Both fatsia and yucca are low-maintenance plants that thrive in a variety of conditions, making them ideal choices for tropical landscaping.
Ferns for a Softening Touch of Elegance: Ferns, such as Dryopteris species, bring a touch of elegance and lushness to tropical gardens with their delicate fronds and graceful habit. Plant them in shady areas or under the canopy of palm trees to create a serene and verdant backdrop. Their feathery foliage adds texture and movement to garden beds, while their tolerance for shade and moisture makes them well-suited to tropical landscapes.
Creating Cohesion and Year-Round Interest: When incorporating a diverse array of tropical palms and exotic plants into your garden, consider the principles of design to create cohesion and balance. Create focal points with tall palm trees or architectural specimens like cordyline and phormium. Use repetition and symmetry to create visual interest and guide the eye throughout the space. Incorporate layers of planting, with taller specimens towards the back and lower-growing plants towards the front, to create depth and dimension. To ensure your tropical paradise remains vibrant and captivating year-round, incorporate a mix of plants that provide interest in every season, like canna and phormium for bursts of colour throughout the year. Now that you have created your Tropical Paradise, all you need to do is sit back with your favourite tropical drink and enjoy the view.