Melbourne tropical paradise

When you think of tropical gardens, you don’t think of Melbourne. Yet this luxuriant oasis thrives in the chilly Victorian capital. Just five years ago it was a typical suburban block, but with a combination of experimentation and clever planting choices, it has been transformed into a leafy paradise. It just goes to show, you can turn your garden into a tropical haven, no matter where you live.
View this inspirational garden
To create you own tropical haven, start by draping a few climbing plants over structures or allow them to sprawl elegantly over the ground. This Bougainvillea ‘Tango’, growing wildly over a pergola, creates a portrait of tropical colour in motion. The blooms provide a vibrant contrast against the green backdrop, adding interest and drama to the gardenscape.

For you to know

Bougainvilleas have only one true flower colour and that’s white – it’s hidden in the centre of each bract! The bracts, which are modified leaves posing as petals, actually provide the colour.

Suburban secrets

So what’s the secret to growing a tropical haven in Melbourne, or other parts of the country with a similar climate? As long as you have frost-free winters and a warm summer growing season, you can create your own garden landscape in a tropical style. And remember, not all the plants you choose are necessarily going to be truly tropical in origin, but because of their large foliage and colourful flowers, they easily fit into the vivid, vibrant scheme.

Money saving tip

Transform and freshen your tropical paradise for free by rotating potted plants from indoors or elsewhere in the garden to mix up the look. And take cuttings from your bougainvilleas in summer so you can propagate a beauty that will flower for most of the year.

View this inspirational garden

Photography Simon Griffith