How to create your own Balinese garden paradise at home

By Sara Fitzpatrick

Are you dreaming of a Balinese getaway?

Neil Miles of Planted Passion tells us how we can reproduce a piece of island paradise in our own backyard.

He says a Bali garden is lush and tropical in style, featuring a mix of leaf shapes, plant heights and boldly-coloured flowers.

Here are his top tips to try.

Plants

• Bougainvillea (used in pots or hedging)
• Frangipani
• Hibiscus
• Ginger
• Palms
• Citrus trees for glossy leaves, flowers and fruit
• Cordylines and flaxes for colour and form
• Cannas
• Clivia
• Ixora
• Strelitzia

Garden design features

• Stone pieces in light or dark colours
• Masses of large leaves, glossy and green
• Lanterns and candles placed through the garden and along pathways
• Stepping stones and pebble pathways
• Large stone pots filled with plants or used as water features
• Colourful silky fabrics on upholstery and as flags

Water features

Water features can be a wall fountain, pond, or small catchment of water in a stone pot. Add a tall papyrus plant or a flowering lotus and you have created a beautiful Bali water garden. The noise of trickling water can minimise noise from your neighbourhood and create a tranquil space.

Furniture

Outdoor dining and seating areas are a must, offering a place to relax and entertain. Go for timber structures such as pavilions, decks or daybeds loaded with large soft cushions. Pergolas can be crafted for shade with integrated bench seating and built-in barbecues.