Creating your own hidden jungle in your backyard may sound challenging or perhaps overwhelming at first. A jungle is wild and disheveled by its very nature. And while it looks nice, you don’t want a garden that’s growing out of control either. Fortunately, there are ways to do it by the book.
Let’s take a look at some great ideas to create your own jungle in the backyard.
Layers are critical for that jungle appearance. Use the 70/30 rule. Basically, 70% of your plants should be easy to grow, while 30% of your plants must be more exotic. Add tall plants first, then shrubs and finally, get some low-level ground plants.
In terms of tall plants, you can also add faux wall greenery. It makes everything easier by providing instant density. It’s like having a background to work on. Since it’s at the back, it might be difficult to access for pruning and trimming, hence the necessity of an artificial wall.
These effects are nice if you have a large garden, but they require some maintenance. Tall plants that grow fast can create a canopy effect by growing upward. The Chusan palm is one of them. Banana plants work as well, not to mention bamboo which provides a wonderful rustling sound in the breeze.
You’ll have to be careful with how you plant them and how to look after them, since they can overgrow your “jungle” in no time.
Tree ferns and hostas with large leaves can fill the middle side. They can block views into your secret jungle, yet it depends on the surroundings. They do give you the option to create a private space, away from neighbors or even your own house so you can truly escape into your own world.
You can create the impression of a small jungle by using the right types of plants. Here are a few useful ideas:
The entrance to your jungle must get you ready for what’s inside it. Therefore, don’t just come up with a set of exotic plants in the corner of your garden. Instead, come up with a magical entrance. There are quite a few good options for the lawn to jungle transition:
A jungle is supposed to be wild, but you still need a bit of civilization in it to make it functional. You need to be able to go around it without having to use a machete. Therefore, optimize the paths as well.
You can use stepping stones, but you can also invest in dark gravel or tree bark. Create some narrow and winding paths that force you to go slowly until the entire jungle opens up in front of you.
While artificial plants and walls are highly recommended (they work in any weather, rather than some exotic plants that might struggle in the winter), you should still have a natural profile. Therefore, implement some natural materials too. Use stone, wood and tree bark. Modern and sleek materials are to be avoided as they won’t be suited for your wild theme.
Jungle decorations add to the overall feeling and help tell a story. They won’t cost you a fortune, but they can make your garden feel like a proper jungle.
For example, you could add a water feature. It doesn’t have to be an expensive fountain. Just something small and simple. The sound of water flowing adds to the feeling of the tropics. Besides, it also attracts wildlife like birds and dragonflies.
Don’t forget about lighting either. Even if you only plan to use the jungle during the daytime, you’ll find it extremely useful during hot summer evenings too. You could spend quality time there with your friends or family.
From this point of view, lighting is critical. Use solar fairy lights, yet you can also invest in string lights. Hide them within the foliage for a magical experience. Also, make sure to go for a warm yellow light to keep the atmosphere cozy.
Finally, don’t forget about the seating area. You don’t want to sit on the ground, right? The seating area has to be simple, but comfortable, using weather-resistant materials. Just find a small clearing in your jungle and surround it with tall plants for a more secluded experience.
Creating a small hidden jungle in your backyard isn’t as complicated as it may seem. Keep things simple by using artificial plants with an exotic profile, but also add a bit of nature with different materials and perhaps a few scented plants as well.
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