If you live in and around Brisbane and would like to enjoy a garden that is relaxing and refreshing, calming and cooling, then the Balinese-style garden could be for you.

In a Balinese-style garden, flowers can be treated as an added bonus but you do get to enjoy fabulous foliage every day of the year. Foliage plants are versatile with interesting but different characteristics that suit just about any situation. Many offer a bonus to their foliage by producing perfumed flowers as well. Some enjoy showing their colours in the full sun, whilst others definitely need a shady situation.

The majority of plants are usually arranged casually around the garden, although foliage features are often massed together in groups. The effect could be described as ‘ordered jungle’ where elements of formal and natural are fused together.

There is no need to incorporate every type of plant into your garden. Base your decisions on visual excitement and compatibility with your conditions. Seek advice from your Hawkins Horticultural Advisor – they know their plants and will be able to answer your questions on height, growing conditions and what results you can expect. Do not focus on trying to have ‘one of everything’, but rather work towards planting in groups of five or seven or more of the same species to achieve maximum effect.

Not every feature needs to be a plant. In fact, virtually every Balinese landscape incorporates some type of water feature into its design. Water is a natural source of nourishment for the garden, and the soul. Water features can be in the form of fountains and springs, cascades, poolscapes, lily and lotus ponds or even outdoor bathrooms. Typically, Balinese-style gardens can be enhanced using statuary, traditional pots and carvings throughout. Movement can be emphasised by colourful fabrics that are hung and draped ready to be powered by a breeze.

A Balinese-style garden can be developed around (and under) existing trees, shrubs and palms.

Ask the experts at Hawkins

A list of suitable plants for Balinese-style gardens is available from Hawkins Home & Garden Centres. Although comprehensive it is intended as a guide, giving an indication of the seemingly endless possibilities to create just the right look for your garden. Some of the plant names may seem daunting, but with a little investigation the mystery will soon unfold.

Many plants suitable for a Balinese-style garden are available at Hawkins Home & Garden Centres. If a particular plant is temporarily out of stock, Horticultural Advisors can make suggestions for readily available alternatives.

A Balinese display garden is featured at Hawkins Home & Garden at Chandler. Please feel free to enjoy the beauty and atmosphere of this intimate garden creation and take home with you some great ideas on how to create your own Balinese-style garden.

Dare to be creative

• A Balinese-style garden can be developed around (and under) existing trees, shrubs and palms. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with those tall palms towering upwards, a Balinese-style garden could be your answer.
• Can’t get the grass to grow under a big tree? It doesn’t matter – forget the mowing and start planting your Balinese-style garden. Balinese garden plants love the humidity, shade and protection provided by existing trees and shrubs.
• If, however, you are starting from scratch with a sunny and bare garden, you will need to plant the upper-storey first, using smaller growing trees and palms that enjoy the sun but will eventually create shade.
• Borders are still important in a Balinese-style garden, but instead of sweeping flowering perennials, blocks of foliage plants for colour and variety are used.

Set the stage using decorative stones, water and timber

• Water is an essential ingredient helping to create the calming atmosphere of a Balinese-style garden. Water features also act as a passive cooling system for sitting and dining areas.
• Wooden bridges do not necessarily need to be elaborate nor even over water to create a visual impact in a Balinese-style garden.
• Decorative and/or carved timber doors and gates look authentic and can be practical or ornamental.
• Timber seating on areas of paving creates intimate courtyard effects, even when the areas are small.
• Decorative stones help to soften areas of paving, water features, pots and gardens. Stones can be used to create dry or wet creek beds.
• Bamboo poles and screens are ideal for practical and decorative purposes.
• Open air thatched gazebos give practical protection and the right look.

Statues, pots and ornaments create the right mood

• Voluptuous plantings of tropical foliage need to be interspersed with Balinese statuary.
• Ethnic pots and urns brimming with water lilies and tropical foliage complete the picture.
• Glazed pots add even more colour.
• Simple water features in pots are easy. More complex water features can be utilised if they suit the budget.
• Artwork accents add pizzazz and gaiety, especially in small gardens. These objects can include a statue, designed stonework, an urn or even a pergola. Placement is important to achieve a harmonious blend.
• Wind chimes help create a gentle relaxing mood, whether hung from trees or structures.
• Candles and bamboo torches will light your way in the evenings to enjoy outdoor living areas even more.