Creating a getaway in your own backyard garden.
By Tammy Thornton
When you live in an area as nice as ours, a staycation doesn’t sound so bad. But if you long for the tropics, they might be as close as your own backyard. Now that summer weather has finally arrived, we need to shake off the blues of our rainy spring. Tropical plants will feel very at-home in our warmer summer temperatures and will reciprocate our hospitality by livening up our spirits.
Hibiscus–with their bright orange, yellow, and red flowers–instantly add a tropical feel to your backyard. They thrive in bright sun and, as an added bonus, will attract hummingbirds to your garden. Friends of mine overwinter their hibiscus in a sunny window indoors, and even get some blooms in the winter. You can also plant hardy hibiscus that blooms in late summer and can withstand our winter freezes. Mine are a deep burgundy and are late to emerge (sometimes as late as June). Every year I wonder if they have survived, but they are a welcome treat when they finally reveal themselves and open their large flowers.
When I took my daughter to Southern California for college, it was surprising to see the Bird of Paradise plant everywhere—even gas stations and grocery stores had them in their parking lots. Grow them yourself this summer for a truly exotic-looking plant that will add loads of interest to your backyard haven. Cannas also have a tropical look with colorful leaves resembling banana plants with vibrant red, orange, and yellow flowers to match. They are only winter hardy to zone 8, so may not survive our freezing temperatures; but their rhizomes can be dug up before first frost and saved for replanting in spring. Mandevilla, dipladenia, and bougainvillea would make beautiful additions to the garden and are worth the splurge, though they can only be grown as annuals in our gardening zone.
Create drama in your tropical garden with Japanese Fiber Banana also known as Hardy Fiber Banana (Musa basjoo). It is considered to be the most hardy banana plant in the world. It can survive our South Jersey winters and would look great by the pool. This plant is not for the faint of heart, as it can reach heights of 15-18 feet at maturity, but should be cut back and mulched for the winter.
Vibrant colors in the garden aren’t limited to flowers. Croton plant has multi-colored leathery leaves of scarlet, orange, yellow, and green. They thrive in a warm humid environment. Bring them indoors after summer, and place them in a sunny window to grow as a houseplant.
Add lushness to your tropical garden with various sizes and shapes of foliage. Elephant ears, the common name for many varieties of plants known for their large heart-shaped leaves, make a big impact in the garden. They prefer filtered light or partial shade. Caladiums are part of this family with their colorful white, green, and red/pink foliage. Philodendrons are also a type of elephant ear and lend a jungle feel to the garden with their large glossy green leaves. Both caladium and philodendrons are commonly grown as indoor plants.
Tropical gardens should be densely planted. Fill in any gaps in the garden with different types of ferns which multiply easily and freely offer that lush, peaceful vibe. Also, add potted palms to your backyard and porch for added lushness.
Add a water feature such as a fountain or pond. The sound of flowing water is a soothing way to drown the cares of the day. Add water lilies to a pond for additional exotic beauty.
Grill some pineapples, add a little umbrella to your favorite summer drink and smile as you think of all the money you saved on hotels and airfare. It’s nice to get away, but—especially if you’ve created a backyard oasis—there’s no place like home.
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
