Following up on the articles on Japanese Gardens and Zen Gardens, here is another. A Balinese garden is a garden of exuberant tropical foliage, amongst streams and waterfalls. It is a replica of the natural, green, tropical paradise, as found in Bali.

Here, the plant shapes and leaf sizes become the focal point of the garden, even more so than the flowers themselves. The Balinese garden consists of succulent undergrowth below and lush palm, or fern fronds above, with shrubs of striking foliage and flowers of bright colors, in between.

The key to this exotic layout is the evergreen plants, with large and brightly colored foliage, that give the impression of one being out in the jungle. Green is the dominant color and the addition of subtle water features add to the wonderland.

Water is a vital part of this type of garden and ideally, the gardener should try to create the look of rocky forest streams with stepping stones that lead to a pond. A suspension bridge crossing the stream is a nice touch and creates a perfect focal point.

Another idea is the creation of  mountain terrain, with some mounds of soil and rocks added near the stream, or pond. A waterfall, or fountain is also a favorite. Rocks should be large, shaped, worn and of different colors, to create the best effect. Natural materials, such as timber, or stone and even the use of rope and poles all lend themselves to the overall effect. Just close your eyes and let the imagination flow.

Many plants are suitable for use in this dreamy type of garden and any of the following can be used with great effect.

Plants with large bold foliage.

Agave, Aspidistra, Acanthus, Elephant Ear, Calathea, Cordyline, Dieffenbachia, Fatsia Japonica, Gunnera, Hostas, Ligularia, Delicious Monster, Philodendron, Selloum, Xanadu, Staghorn fern, Canna cultivars, Bromeliads and Crotons. Some that are indiginous to South Africa, are Strelitzia, Scadoxus, Arum. 

Plants with upright foliage.

New Zealand flax, Cordyline Australis, Dracaena, Yucca and Furcraea. The Sansevieria is indigenous to South Africa.

Groundcover plants.

Dwarf Agapanthus and Hen-and-chickens are both indigenous to S.A Other are Bromeliads, Mondo grass, Liriope, ferns and ivy.

Bold flowering plants with magnificent blooms can also be incorporated in to the Balinese garden. Some of these are Anthuriam, tuberous Begonias, Moonflowers, Canna hybrids, Frangipani, Hibiscus, Heliconia, Impatiens and Hippeastrum. Clivias, Scadoxus and Water lilies are all indigenous to South Africa.

Orchids are also perfect in this setting and are relatively hardy. They grow well, even in gardens of cold jungle-like settings. Some, such as the Cymbidium Orchid, are better grown in pots, under a patio cover, to protect them from frost and direct sun. This will help to continue the jungle look from the garden on to the patio. 

With pathways, rather than the normal concrete and paving, try to incorporate timber decking and railroad sleepers, wooden pavers, pebbles, bark chips, or a combination of these. A gazebo of wood, or thatch, or even clad with palm fronds, situated in the garden and the use of stones and bamboo, on fences and borders are very effective.

Large ceramic pots, painted in bright colors look stunning in this type of garden. In amongst and around your trees, you could add heavy wooden, or bamboo furniture. A few benches and tables help to fill in open spaces.

The main characteristics of this jungle-like garden are the evergreen plants, with different leaf shapes and textures and shades of green. For best effect, these should look overgrown and crowded.

Plant the groundcover too, in dense patches, to create a tropical look. By having a predominantly green garden, it is advisable to scatter a few plants of variegated foliage and bright blooms, to counter the monotony.

Colorful tropical fruit trees, such as the orange-red tree tomato and purple granadilla, can also be added to the setting.

Some trees with vivid blooms, that can help to enhance the jungle look, are Wild pomegranate, Silk floss tree, Magnolia grandiflora, and Tipouchina. The Alberta Magna, African flame and Coral tree are all indigenous to South Africa.

In any tropical garden, palms are a natural feature. Some can only tolerate mild frost, while others are hardier, like the European fan palm, Chinese fan palm, Canary Island date palm, Washington palm. Those a little more delicate, and susceptible to the cold, are the Jelly palm, miniature date palm, lady palm and dwarf palm. The Senegal date palm is indigenous to South Africa. 

With a little imagination and effort and with the use of rustic materials and bright colors, the green tropical garden can be brought to life and become vibrant and tranquil at the same time. It will certainly look different and attract a lot of interest.

Certain features may require a little landscaping, so if you are going to be doing any landscaping, you simply have to read this book, Master The Art Of Landscaping and save a ton of money. It is full of useful information. If your homes landscape is designed properly it will be a source of enjoyment for your entire family, it will enhance your community and add to the resale value of your property. Landscape design involves much more than placing trees, shrubs and other plants on the property. It is an art which deals with conscious arrangement or organization of outdoor space for human satisfaction and enjoyment. In Homeowners Guide To Landscaping you will learn how to: Organize and develope your yard for maximum use and pleasure; Create a visual relationship between the house and the site and Reduce maintenance to the minimum To find out more, go here  http://dersalsites.com/lscap/  

Sally Robson is a South African Internet marketer, who together with her husband Derek, have a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and other non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet, by overcoming the many obstacles facing them. They have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. Sally has a passion for gardening. For more articles and advice on gardening topics, visit Sally at: http://www.dersalsites.com/sallysgardeningtips/

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