Bali-style Garden

Gardens inspired by the landscapes of Bali and other tropical destinations are very popular … and for good reasons.
The Balinese garden can be thought of as an outdoor living area, well decorated with plants but providing a relaxed space for people to use and to contemplate.
With a little bit of planning and imagination, you can create your own little bit of Bali in your backyard.
The main features of a Bali-style garden are:

1. Outdoor living areas, including thatched pavilions and pergolas. These will not only look good but help you enjoy using your garden.
   Usually, they have some sort of thatched roof. Bali grass (alang alang) is traditional, but brushwood or reed materials are also available.
   The shaggy style of thatching is best for a Balinese theme. The neatly trimmed thatching is more appropriate for an African style gazebo.
   While less tropical-looking than thatch, wooden shingles (sirap) or terracotta tiles are good alternatives.
   If you have limited space or perhaps can’t afford the price of a more substantial structure, a thatched umbrella is a way to add that “grass hut” look.
2. Decorative ornaments. A lot of traditional Balinese art has a religious basis, hence the variety of symbolism seen on garden statues and other objects. But more modern plant and animal motifs are also becoming fashionable decorative themes.
   These can be added to your garden in the form of free standing statues, wall-mounted plaques, pots or as part of a water feature.
3. Flags and umbrellas. Bali flags, called umbul umbuls, held upright on tall poles are another way of adding a Balinese touch to a tropical garden without making major changes.
   Fabric covered temple umbrellas (tedung) like those used for ceremonial purposes in Bali are also popular for decorating outdoor areas and verandas.
4. Water features. Water adds an extra dimension to any garden, and the Bali-style garden is no exception.
   Carved stone bowls or terracotta pots make the simplest water features. Larger containers can be planted up with water plants as miniature water gardens. Larger ponds can be complemented with a water spout in the form of a fish or frog.
5. Paths throughout the garden encourage exploration. Large paving squares separated by decorative gravel or miniature groundcovers (like mondo grass) make great paths and are low maintenance too.
6. Lighting and lanterns. Outdoor lighting will dramatically highlight garden features as well as make night-time entertaining easier.
   A popular way to add a Balinese touch to a garden is with a traditional thatched or carved stone lantern.
   If you are intending to have lights installed in your lanterns, be sure that they are 12 volt and suitable for outdoor use.
7. Fences, panels and screens. Plants are one way to hide unattractive views that distract from the secluded resort-style ambience. However, you may have to wait for them to grow.
   A physical screen of bamboo, reed or something similar has the advantage of being instant and adding visual appeal.
   For existing fences, walls or other surfaces, there is a range of screening products in panels or rolls, including many that mimic foliage and flowers.
8. Use plants with tropical style. Palms and cycads, flamboyant flowers, and brightly coloured foliage plants work best. Modern interpretations incorporate plants from anywhere (e.g. bromeliads) as long as they have the “look”.
   The good news is that you may already have many of the basics in your backyard, like palms and frangipani.

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