Gardening with Exotics

You don't have to live in the tropics to enjoy exotic gardening. Gardening with exotics is something that can be done just about anywhere and in any climate. Simply grab some containers and begin planting. Containers allow those living in confined spaces or cooler regions to enjoy the same benefits as those having plenty of space or warmer temperatures. The exotic garden can be grown strictly indoors or outside on the patio, where they can be easily lifted and brought indoors once cold temperatures and frost are imminent to wait out the winter. From bananas, palms, ferns, and philodendrons to bamboo, bromeliads, hostas, and elephant ears, nearly anything will thrive in a potted environment. Containers also help to control invasive plantings that would otherwise take over the garden.

No room for a lush canopy of trees, try using hanging baskets instead, filled with ferns or sweet potato vines. Anything that gives the garden height will be effective. To create a lush, tropical appearance in the exotic garden using pots, simply place all the containers close together in one large grouping. If space still doesn't permit, that's ok too. One large container can still provide you with the same tropical-like effect. For example, place the largest specimen in the center, such as a canna, tropical hibiscus, or dwarf palm. Surround this with taller plants like blue flag iris, peacock orchid, or elephant ear. Then fill in with lower growing plants such as impatiens, fuchsias, and a trailing vine. The possibilities are endless.