With the arrival of spring, you certainly want sun and escape. For this, nothing better than the exotic garden. Plants and furniture inspired elsewhere to settle in style, even in a small exterior. From palm trees from the islands to Mexican cacti and Japanese bonsai, draw your inspiration from the four corners of the planet. These exotic plants diversify your home’s ecosystem while offering a new jungle spirit to the garden. And even if your outdoor area is small, think about space-saving layouts by taking advantage of the vertical space. Without forgetting, the bright and warm color that settles on textiles and decorative objects for a garden with mixed tendencies. Discover 13 inspirations around the small exotic garden, like so many moments of escape.
Colorful and exotic, the small exotic garden seduces! As in the countryside, the lack of space is not synonymous with a lack of style in town. On the contrary, highlight the available surface to make the most of it. Don’t have room for a large, green lawn? Opt for a mineral mulch reminiscent of Californian gardens! Many varieties adapt very well to our European climate on the plant side. Cacti or palm trees can thus flourish in the South of France and Brittany. If you live in an icy region, look to potted plants that overwinter indoors. To be happy, plants need water, but also light. Before embarking on the development of your exotic garden, take this parameter into account. Some varieties also tend to spread quite quickly, such as bamboo, so they are maintenance-intensive. If you have any doubts, turn to a landscaper or go to a garden center. For example, the garden furniture is also inspired by distant countries, with Berber motifs and shimmering colors. Tropical woods are also, particularly in the spotlight. To inspire you, discover 13 small exotic gardens drawn on Pinterest.
1- Tropical plants and teak for a mini garden like in Bali
Exotic, and elegant, Balinese gardens are a dream! With their tropical plants and outdoor showers, they are strange. You can reproduce them in your small garden by opting for XXL plants that provide a certain intimacy, mineral mulching and teak planks for comfort and style. If you have the necessary layout, it is even possible to install a solar shower. On the plant side, palm trees, banana trees and birds of paradise are popular. But you can also opt for tropical flowers such as hibiscus or Tiare flowers (used for money). They offer a touch of color to the small exotic garden.
2- The good idea! The small exotic garden is installed vertically
You often have to use your imagination to find space in a small garden. The solution is sometimes to look up and bet on verticality! Climbing plants such as lianas, ferns, and plant walls can help you create a jungle atmosphere in a small urban garden.
3- Bright, warm colors settle in a small Medina-style exterior
Moroccan or Andalusian gardens and patios are full of good ideas. Between their bright colors – from terracotta to Klein blue – and their ethnic patterns, they are not lacking in sunshine. Take the Berber inspirations of the house to decline them outside. Dare even the garden carpet! Add cacti, in pots or planters to vegetate the whole while minimizing the surface.
4- Add a mini water point for an exotic atmosphere
Symbols of Asian garden water mirrors offer an exotic atmosphere at home. They invite you to relax and echo a Zen decor. They gain an elegant dimension in a black basin that dresses up the space. You can slip in some water lilies or even fish if there is enough space. For an optimal rendering, this body of water must be smooth, so that the plants are reflected in it, and it, therefore, needs a flat surface. It is also necessary to provide a hydraulic circuit to renew the water. Combine this element with plants native to Asia, such as bonsai, bamboo or annual mugwort (also called Chinese wormwood).
5- Replace the lawn with mineral mulch in the small exotic garden
The lawn is a typical element of French gardens, especially English exteriors. For more change of scenery, replace it with a mineral, white or colored mulch. This look echoes Mexican or Californian covers. Pair it with cacti and succulents, worthy of American deserts!
6- A small garden inhabited by a pergola
To protect the exotic garden, nothing better than the pergola! In sunny locations, it provides cooling shade. It is helpful in summer and winter since it protects against rain in our latitudes. You can hang tropical plants, but also furniture. In a small garden where there are not necessarily any trees, the supports of the pergola make it possible to install a hammock, ideal for taking a nap between two palm trees and dreaming of your next trip! The large rug with graphic and colorful patterns brings air from elsewhere…
7- An exotic wooden terrace is housed in the heart of a jungle
Apart from the green plants, the plant is also found in the small exotic garden’s furniture and coverings. A tropical wooden terrace thus sets the tone for the space. Teak is undoubtedly the most famous and emblematic essence of this style. But it is also possible to opt for cumaru with red nuances or ipé, a safe bet. Place this terrace in the heart of a tropical jungle composed of palm trees, climbing ferns and other exotic plants—a natural oasis of freshness in town and the countryside.
8- The bird of paradise, a classic of exotic exteriors
To design an exterior that meets the desires of travel, some plants always work. This is, for example, the case of the bird of paradise. This large plant brings an exotic and graphic touch to the garden, and its broad leaves create shaded areas. This variety also produces colorful flowers.
9- In the small tropical garden, color takes you on a journey
The lush tropical gardens adopt color on both plants and furniture. Colorful cushions are thus installed on the elements of the garden furniture. It is also possible to install the paint on the ground by opting for outdoor carpets. All these textiles must be adapted and protected to withstand the rain. As for plants, play the card of sobriety with tropical plants, such as ferns or birds of paradise. To accentuate their presence and reinforce the “jungle” side, paint the wall or the planter they lean in green.
10- Arrange your small garden with exotic potted plants
In a small space, it is sometimes better to opt for pots or planters, both for a question of well-being and for style. Indeed, planters allow you to play with heights, create interesting volumes and dress up the space. This layout is also suitable for gardens in cold regions, where the ground tends to freeze. You can thus bring in cacti, palm trees and succulents if the temperatures are too low.
11- Cacti evoke the gardens of the South
Mexico, California, Ibiza… The cactus is a variety that evokes hot regions. Therefore, this easy-care plant is the ideal variety for a southern-inspired garden. Additionally, many species of cacti grow upright, saving space in a small outdoor setting. You can combine them with succulents and mineral mulch for optimal results.
12- Zen atmosphere with the small Japanese garden
The Japanese garden is known for its Zen atmosphere, calm, and serenity. This is an actual invitation to relax based on specific principles. It adapts to large exteriors and smaller ones, especially when using varieties such as bonsai. One of the main principles of the Japanese garden is the miniaturization of certain decorative elements to force the perspectives to recreate landscapes. In the city, it creates a green oasis, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
13- Mini garden, maxi tropical plants
In a restricted exterior, play with large tropical plants. Value the height more than the width to add garden furniture or a table without being embarrassed. In the city, tall plants also help to gain privacy and minimize.
