We may not be able to travel to your favorite tropical destinations right now, but that doesn’t mean that a York, PA, backyard can’t become a tropical paradise. If your clients are longing for a lush island landscape, looking into getting these six materials from your local landscape supply to achieve a tropical landscape design.
Related: 6 MATERIALS FROM OUR MASONRY SUPPLY FOR A BEACHY BACKYARD THIS SUMMER IN LANCASTER, PA
When designing a tropical landscape, think in terms of flow. Creating a tropical grotto at the side of a backyard pond, for example, means using organic curved shapes and manmade materials that are largely obscured by leafy vegetation. Even in the relatively cool Pennsylvania climate, there are great choices that bring the island vibe to your clients’ backyards.
Patio Pavers
There are two approaches you can use to create a tropical-themed patio: sand or jungle. Sand-colored pavers can brighten up the space and give the visual impression of a sandy beach leading to the sea. For a more intimate and private feel, darker pavers give the space a more adventurous atmosphere. Lighter colors can be cooler on the feet, create a more expansive feel, and provide a great contrast against the darkness of the surrounding vegetation. Darker colors are physically warmer, but visually they blend into the surroundings more, especially if you’re installing dark, tropical-style vegetation.
Wall Materials
Masonry plant beds and retaining walls fit right in with a tropical theme if they are curved. Use wall materials that complement the patio but show their own personality. Achieve a rustic look with a stacked-fieldstone look (whether you’re using natural stone or building a wall with a manufactured stone veneer). Or you could bring a modern touch to the landscape by using a smooth wall material that serves as the perfect backdrop for the many varied textures of tropical plants.
Boulders and Stone
Surround a backyard pond—or even a patio—with boulders that help create an interesting transition between natural and manmade features. Use large stepping stones set in a bed of pebbles, or just pebbles to create a beach-like pathway. Boulder-lined waterfalls create an authentic tropical feel, especially when they gradually gain a patina of mosses and lichens. If your clients have a backyard pond, a small pebble beach helps create the tropical atmosphere—perfect for a comfortable bench—without the mess of sand.
Pergola
No tropical getaway is complete without a shade structure. A seagrass-roofed tiki hut may be a bit much for most suburban settings, but a pergola fits in with any decorating style, from tropical to rustic mountain. Choose timbers that can be left to weather naturally or stained a rich teak color.
Fire Pit
Fire is the perfect complement to water, and nothing says “vacation” more than a fire pit. Use the same wall materials as you would for a retaining wall or masonry planter to tie this element into the rest of the landscape.
Plants
Of course the PA climate isn’t conducive to all tropical plants, but some are hardy enough to withstand cold winters and can be planted directly in the soil. True tropicals can be planted in colorful containers, and moved indoors when the weather changes. And if a retaining wall has a robust enough ledge, it could be the perfect opportunity to place a few colorful planters to add a pop of color that can change with the seasons.
Related: 5 LANDSCAPING IDEAS USING MATERIALS FROM OUR LANDSCAPE SUPPLY IN STATE COLLEGE, PA
