A Tropical Jewel Box Garden
helping people plant right, water less and garden more
After a dramatic interior remodel that included the addition of large picture windows, all that was missing was a garden to match. The bones of the yard were good, with a large patio and lovely pond, but the space felt disconnected and bare.
To create this transformation, the existing patio was sawcut into a curvy shape and resurfaced with flagstone. The lawn was demolished, and in its place is a gently mounding lush tropical garden, intersected by a DG (decomposed granite) path that ends in an intimate patio. Additional paths of salmon bay gravel connect to the pond.
Next to the pond, the garden receives full sun, so our challenge was to create a tropical effect while sticking with a low water plant palette, as well as choosing plants that could handle colder winters. Long flower purple Sea Lavender (Limonium perezii) nicely sets off the strappy red foliage of the Phormium Jester and the bright orange colors of the Million Bells.
Back towards the patio, the garden is mostly in shade, and a moderate water group of plants including ferns and hellebores for texture and annual Coleus and a beused plants with lush tropical foliage were chosen.
Don't forget the details! A sophisticated collection of pots featuring foliage plants completes the look. Views of the garden surround the family room and dining room, so the garden can be enjoyed from both inside and out.
before
Creative exteriors landscape design is a residential design service located in the East Bay in Northern California. Owner Susan Morrison specializes in beautiful, functional residential landscapes that use water responsibly and limit the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
A second moderate water area was added to the side of the house, where a narrow bed provides just enough room for a dramatic display of cannas.
Unless otherwise indicated, ©copyright 2009, creative exteriors landscape design. All Rights Reserved.
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> DESIGN
Just getting started? The landscape Design Center has articles and advice on planning your garden, including lawn substitutes and alternatives, low water plant combinations, habitat gardening and more, plus authors' links to landscape design websites and blogs that specialize in sustainable design.
> INSTALL
Ready to turn your ideas into a garden? The Installation Center has information on irrigating your landscape and planting techniques.
> MAINTAIN
Now that the garden is in, how do you keep it looking its best? The Maintenance Center has articles on keeping your garden happy and healthy over time.
East Bay, Northern California, Sunset Zone 14
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Susan used hot colors and a mix of bold, strappy and delicate foliage textures to create this garden's tropical look. Books on tropical garden design are a great resource, but she also gets inspiration from garden design books that show tropical gardens in cold winter areas.
To see more books on design, plant selection, California natives and more visit our
