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Gardens - Balinese

Balinese gardens are extremely popular in Australian backyards, as they suit our climate and create a feel of a lush, tropical haven.  In fact, they can be thought of as a personal retreat!  Here are some tips on how to create a beautiful Balinese garden in your own backyard.

Plants in the Balinese Garden

Plants are a quintessential part of the Balinese garden and they are used to create a feeling of tropical, green lushness.  Use plants such as cordylines, palms and ferns to create the correct feel.  Plants also help to create the “structure” or “architecture” of the garden.  Use structural plants with strong lines and bold foliage, such as palms, bamboo, tree ferns, cycads, and aloes.  Plants with large leaves create the framework of the garden.  To create visual interest, look for plants with broad leaves that have interesting patterns and long stalks.  Smaller plants with brightly coloured foliage can be used to fill in any gaps and create more visual interest.  The goal is to create the feel of a rainforest, with differing heights, and types of foliage.

Because there are differing climates in Australia, and the climate will affect the types of plants that you can use, it is worthwhile going to a nursery and asking for their expert advice.  They will be able to tell you all about the plants that will create the feel that you are after but are still suited to the conditions.

Water as Part of the Balinese Garden

Water is another essential part of the Balinese garden.  A water feature can really help to extend the feeling of tranquility that is associated with the Balinese garden.  Fountains are actually not common in Bali, but waterspouts are, with waterspouts being featured around swimming pools and ponds.  Ponds are another way of introducing water into the Balinese garden and the very best ponds merge with the greenery and rocks to look as though it has been there forever.

If you do not want to add a permanent water feature, then a simple bowl of water with flowers floating in it can be placed atop a piece of outdoor furniture.

Art in the Balinese Garden

Statues carved from timber or stone have a place in any Balinese garden. Figures of Balinese gods or goddesses can be set in a wall niche, in a corner of the garden, or be placed within the greenery itself.  Authenticity is a goal but now that there are plenty of garden art importers (link to water feature and statues supplies) around, it should not be at all difficult to get yourself a genuine artifact.  As well as gods and goddesses, artifacts can include temple flags, umbrellas, carved sculptures, and statues of animals.

Lighting as Part of a Balinese Garden

In a Balinese garden, there is room to play about with your lighting.  Hanging bamboo lamps or lanterns can light the perimeter of your outdoor area, or it can light up pathways.  These lamps or lanterns can be placed on decorative bases and connected to the electrical supply for a spectacular show at night.  Spot lighting is also useful in the Balinese garden as it can be used to highlight the various artifacts through the garden and also any other features throughout the garden such as a pond, swimming pool, or interesting plant.

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