Do you like the idea of having a tropical garden? But do you now live in a tropical climate? Not to worry! With the right knowledge and skills, you will know how to create a tropical garden that lasts. It is not easy and it requires time and dedication. So if you can have a gardener to help you out, or set it up for you, this can be a great option.
But let’s have a look first at how to create a tropical garden, in a non-tropical climate.
What Is a Tropical Garden?
A tropical garden is simply a garden filled with tropical plants. Tropical plants normally grow around the equator. It is, however, possible to recreate some of these aspects in a non-tropical climate. It does require a lot of time and attention and knowing which plants to pick. Some of the tropical plants can be found and bought in colder climates. And as long as you have the right set up and system, a tropical garden does no longer have to be something you can only find in certain climates.
It can be a real special area in your garden or outside space to have. And even in public spaces such as hotels, tropical gardens are a real eye-catcher and a special place to spend time in.
What Does A Tropical Garden Need?
When setting up a tropical garden, you are inviting plants in that need a certain temperature, soil and level of water supply. Tropical plants are normally used to hotter temperatures and heavy rainfall. So when you set up your new garden, you want to think about setting up a suited watering system. This can either be sprinklers, or an irrigation system, for example.
Fertiliser
Your new tropical p[lants will also need a lot and the right amount of fertiliser. So make sure you are using the right, and the right amount of fertiliser for each plant as that can differ. Fertiliser does not automatically mean a ‘one fits all’. So making sure you have the right one for the right plants is crucial.
Soil & Mulching
It is likely that your tropical plants will need heavy mulching too. Mulch is a specific type of material that you normally put on the top surface of the soil in your garden or outside space. This is normally (but does not have to be) completely organic. There are many benefits to mulching. Many people like the look it gives the grounds around the plants. But besides aesthetics, it has lots of practical use too. It can really keep moisture in the soil. Also, it can act to improve fertility and reduce the growth of weeds.
You also want to make sure that you have the soil set up so that it is free-draining soil. This is important for lots of tropical plants (but check which ones specifically). Like palm trees, for example, do not do well when waterlogged.
Sun
Now, this might be a challenge when planting your new exotic plants – but choosing the sunniest spot to create your new tropical paradise is definitely needed. Your new tropical plants will need all the sunshine they can get, so identify the spot that gets most sun all year round. Even if that does not mean as much sun as a tropical island might give them. Because that could potentially be compensated with other things.
Invest in the right plants
Even though you might have set your mind to specific plants, this might not always be realistic. Make sure to consult with a professional gardener on which tropical or exotic plants would work well in the space you have. For example, when looking at palm trees, it will be worth investing in a bigger, slightly older one. You might want the excitement of having a new young palm tree grow and blossom. But an older, more grown palm will actually give you a lot more chance that they will take to their new settings and surroundings. Giving you more chance they will survive, and thirve!
How Can Polo & Tweed Help?
Do you know how to create a tropical garden? Setting up a tropical or exotic garden can be really exciting. But the challenges it brings are often underestimated. Your best bet is to hire a gardener for this project. Even if you do not want to hire a gardener long term, they can really help with all the advice and set up you need. to get you going making sure your new tropical space has the best possible chance to survive. And we can help! Polo & Tweed has the best gardener for your needs and requirements. Also gardeners who specify in setting up and managing tropical gardens!
Our expert recruitment consultants have years’ of experience in the private household industry and will be able to guide you through the whole process of either hiring a new gardener or finding a new job as one. Why not contact us now to get the process started!