Some natural gardens come, well, naturally. Take for example a seaside garden. What else might one expect near a coastal bungalow? Or what about in the Southwest? A desert garden, of course! And in the steamy Deep South, the landscape is a natural for a tropical oasis filled with sweet scents and gorgeous blooms. Mother Nature provides the inspiration, and you can provide the creation – in your garden, that is.
Not only are groundcovers beautiful to look at, they help prevent erosion in coastal garden areas where the elements constantly shift the sand.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Tall plants can help block onshore sea winds that blow into many coastal gardens.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Blooming cactus bring a whole new texture to the desert garden.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
A major goal when designing sparse desert landscapes is to soften and blend the edges between the garden area and surrounding natural environment.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Lush plantings with bright accents (like this red amaryllis) are typical of the showy displays seen in many tropical gardens.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Costal Gardens
Of course, the seaside garden theme depends on where your home is located. (The climate certainly isn’t the same from the rocky shores of Newfoundland to the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.) Your garden design should reflect this, as well as the geography. A wide stretch of Atlantic beachfront may benefit from paths interspersed with dune grasses, while steep Pacific frontage could be terraced and planted with the varied textures of evergreen, drought-tolerant shrubs.
As in other natural-garden themes, the site dictates the plantings. One of the benefits of coastal gardens is the fact that they generally benefit from the moderating effect of the ocean. And obviously there are some challenges that go along with this, too. To thrive in such a spot, coastal plants must tolerate sandy or rocky soil, natural rainfall patterns, possible salt spray and often strong prevailing winds. Before you head out to the garden center, be sure to study the native and naturalized plants in your area to determine the tough species that can tolerate your challenging local conditions. And don’t forget those native grasses and salt-tolerant shrubs that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion!
As you design your personal coastal garden, consider installing a windbreak near your home as well. This can help create a usable microclimate to grow a variety of other plants you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to enjoy so near the ocean.
Desert Gardens
If you live in the desert or an arid region, you’ve got other challenges – namely poor, sandy soils, little rainfall and extreme temperatures. Planting a natural garden adapted to such an environment is simply the smart thing to do. But don’t think desert gardens are boring and bland – once you’ve seen the desert in full bloom, it’ll become a yearly phenomenon that marks your soul!
Desert and arid gardens often are referred to as Xeriscape landscaping, which simply means they need minimal irrigation and incorporate a few important waterwise principles. (This concept can actually be applied to any area of the country.) Xeriscape means only using plants that are well-adapted to the area they’re planted in, grouping plants with similar water needs together, applying any needed water efficiently, and using less water-thirsty turf.
There’s an amazing array of desert and desert-adapted plants to choose from. Think of succulents – agaves, aloes and cacti. And don’t forget about those beautiful blooming trees like Huisache and Mexican olive. Tough annuals and perennials add to the riot of spring color. Of course, shade is also important to desert and arid habitats. Walled courtyards and shade structures offer both plants and people some much needed respite from the searing sun. And don’t forget to add some good drainage to prevent standing water and runoff for when you do get those beloved periods of rain. With a little planning and work, you can transform your back yard into a stunning desert garden, complete with all the beauty, texture and color that accompany such a peaceful natural retreat.
Tropical Gardens
On the other end of the spectrum, of course, are tropical gardens – full of lush, green vegetation; colorful foliage; and bright, exotic flowers. In this warm, humid climate with plenty of rainfall, plants grow rapidly and abundantly. The shape, texture and form of luxurious foliage are the dominant elements. The tropical garden blurs the boundary between exotic wildness and cultivation.
A garden with a tropical theme mimics the natural tropical forest understory. Look to parks and public gardens for inspiration. Consider the wide range of plants native to tropical zones that produce luxuriant and colorful foliage. Use vines to lend a jungle feel. Choose plants considered exotic elsewhere, including bird-of-paradise, philodendron and the Hawaiian Ti plant. (The very names bring to mind a tropical dreamland, don’t they?)
Because of their strong vertical and textural attributes, tropical plants can have a great impact in your garden – even those situated in small spaces. Just one or two large tropicals can establish a luxurious look to be enjoyed throughout the year. (Consider protected, warm, wind-free locations when creating gardens featuring tropical plants.)
Unfortunately, one of the problems with tropical gardens is that even while they look natural in the hottest and steamiest parts of the US, the plants themselves sometimes aren’t hardy to these subtropical areas. So the key is to choose those selections that thrive in your region. Elephant ears, gingers, crotons and hibiscus all work well in a variety of settings, as well as add a riot of color and texture to the garden. Just remember to give the plants the proper care they need – sun, soil, drainage and water – so you can enjoy a year-round tropical paradise in your own back yard.
No matter where you live – seaside or in a sea of sand – you can create a stunning naturalistic garden to enjoy. The key is to take your cues from Mother Nature and design within the boundaries of your climate and geography. If you follow her lead, your garden’s beauty is sure to shine gloriously season after season.
