5 Tips For Creating A Backyard Oasis

When you imagine a beautiful resort in a tropical destination, you probably think about lush foliage, exotic flowers, and greenery as far as the eye can see. There is a reason that most people think the tropics are paradise, and with a little bit of effort and planning you can bring the beauty of a tropical island to your own backyard. Use the following landscaping tips to create an oasis in your yard that you can enjoy all year long:

Plant in Layers

One of the keys to a lush, jungle-like look is creating layers of plants of different sizes. For example, plant several low ground covering plants in the same area as taller shrubs, and then add a few tropical trees; this will create a wall of greenery in different shades and textures for visual appeal.

Choose Your Plants Wisely

The climate you live in will play a large role in what types of plants will work best in your tropical backyard. If you live in an area that gets cold in the winter, its not a good idea to waste your money on buying tropical plants that need year round warmth and humidity in order to thrive. Luckily, there are many plants that look similar to plants found in the tropics that can survive in more temperate environments. Consider planting elephant ears, philodendrons, hostas for a tropical look.

Utilize Vines

Flowering vines add a great pop of color and can look great growing around a column or on a backyard fence. Vines typically do well with a lot of sun, so try to plant your vines in areas where they will get as much direct sunlight as possible. Consider planting bougainvilleas, passion flower, or golden trumpet-- these vines are plentiful in the tropics, but they are typically hardy enough to survive in moderate climates. 

Add Beautiful Flowering Plants

Tropical flowers are very visually appealing and come in a variety of different colors. Some great choices for backyard landscaping include flowering maple, canna, angel's trumpet, and bromeliad. If you live in a mild climate you may opt to place the plants in the ground, but in areas with harsher weather it is better to plant them in containers to help control the temperature of the soil.

Include a Water Feature

Whether it's a beautiful white sand beach or a bubbling jungle stream, water is a major part of a tropical environment. You can add to your backyard oasis by including a fountain, waterfall, or small pond. The sound of running water can be very soothing, and a water feature can become a focal point of your backyard.