Tropical Landscaping

Is Tropical Landscaping really appropriate in Houston?
Absolutely, tropical landscaping makes sense in Houston because of our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the cultural influences of the tropics and subtropics of Spain/Latin America which provide plenty of local inspiration for creating the tropical landscape design. The tropics diverse palate of lush foliage and bright colors inspire the most beautiful and playful spaces echoing vacation or leisure. Often, because of budgetary concerns or need of horticultural knowledge tropical landscaping is poorly executed being treated as just another landscape i.e. substituting oaks for palms and you’re finished. When done well the tropical landscape is lush, beautiful, private, invigorating and becomes a paradise for retreat.

What style of home goes well with tropical landscaping?
The tropical landscape can adjust to almost any style. Houston’s architectural styles now popular including New Orleans plantation, Spanish, and Mediterranean all lend themselves fine to tropical landscaping. The tropical landscape can accommodate almost any home style. As in all good design the form and function of outside spaces needs to be sensitive to the homes architecture and include spaces for entertainment. First, decide whether you want to create a tropical garden that is formal or informal. Modern landscape design works well with the tropical because of all the exotic and funky plant forms available. done well comes about Through the knowledgeable layering of tropical plant materials and the fun use of varying hardscape materials such as wood, concrete, water and stone Tropical landscaping can transform your home into a place for retreat and paradise.

What are some tropical landscaping plant choices?
In creating tropical plantings think lush green multi-layer plants from the tinniest ground cover up to the tallest fronds of palm trees. Many landscape designs in Houston intended to hint at the tropical usually include some palm trees, variegated gingers and some lolly pop shrubs and white rock. This sparse and haphazard approach to tropical falls somewhere between desert sparse, uninspired and just plain poorly done so be sure to plant many layers as suggested here:

• Tall Palms-Mediterranean fan palms, pygmy date palms, medjoles, canary palms, and bamboos.
• Shrubs -gingers, philodendrons, bottle brushes, camellia specimen, cannas, caste iron plant.
• Accents-Australian tree Fern, century plant, flax, alocasias, saw palmetto.
• Ground Covers-alocasias, clematis vine, star jasmine, xanado, ardisia, liriope, monkey grass.

What other elements would you consider compose a Tropical Landscape?
Just as tropical landscaping is a layered approach, walks and patios should also be infused with layering, color and alternate materials. Built elements that add creativity, color and fun to outdoor compositions are a real plus. Multiple deck levels and steps slow the viewer down enabling for more viewing of lush planting shapes and textures creating greater interest.
• Outdoor kitchens-use of Spanish tiles and stucco.
• Palapas-kitchens separate from the house w. or without a thatched roof
• Wood Decks-with curved edges echoing the undulation of ocean waves
• Waterfalls-water elements create the sound of privacy drowning out urban noises.
• Tile Mosaics-with bright colors of the tropics; aqua blues, reds, and yellows turning a pool into a tropical piece of art.
• Garden art such as lamps, torches, ceramic pieces, funky benches and furniture.

What is the Secret to good Tropical Landscaping?
Creativity, design knowledge and tropical horticulture experience are what create dramatic tropical landscapes. Lush green plant materials, walks, variety in materials, and garden art to include; colored concretes, stone, metal, and tile bringing about the fun of retreat in the tropics. Be loose and creative in your tropical landscaping-don’t just have a mojito, throw in pinnacola’s and dacaries and you too can create a tropical paradise, a multicolored and multilayered journey.