Tropical Garden Retreat

When to Start: Spring
At Its Best: Summer
Time to Complete: 4 hours

Materials Needed:

• shovel
• finished compost
• mulch
• loquat

• phormium 'Tricolor'
• soft shield fern
• arum lily
• Japanese fiber bamboo

Choose the Site

All these plants prefer a sunny site but will tolerate light shade. They also need to be sheltered from strong winds, which could damage their foliage.

Prepare to Plant

Clear the border of weeds and dig in organic matter over the site. Arrange the plants in a tiered jungle effect, then plant and water well. Mulch with bark to give the feel of a forest floor.

Aftercare

The Japanese fiber banana, sometimes called "hardy banana" (Musa basjoo), is hardy only to USDA Zone 5. In winter, surround it with chicken wire attached to stakes, and fill with straw or leaves. In mild areas, wrap it with garden fleece.