Popular Houzz Series
Popular Houzz Series
Appears in
See also
Before & AfterBudget BreakdownStickybeak Of The WeekCreatives At HomeAt Home With...Best Of The WeekRoom Of The WeekProject Of The WeekPicture PerfectDesigner ProfilesMade Local3 Things I Wish My Clients KnewHow Do I...Buyer's GuidesExpert EyeInnovation AlertFrom The ProsSo Your Style Is...Spotted!Fun HouzzHouzz Around The WorldQuizzesHome Time
How Do I... Create a Balinese Garden?
Escape to your very own tropical, resort-style garden and leave the day's worries behind you – an expert reveals how
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and garden questions. Here, Jason Hodges, well-known landscaper from Better Homes and Gardens TV show and brand ambassador for Adbri Masonry, reveals how to give your garden a Balinese makeover with tropical plants and hard landscaping so you can enjoy that holiday feeling year-round.
What are the key features in a Balinese garden?
- Rich greenery.
- Textured natural stone in dark, volcanic colours.
- Smooth, small decorative stones around potted plants and pavers.
- Dark timber furniture.
- Water – in the form of an ambient water feature surrounded by tropical plants or a small plunge pool.
Can I keep my lawn?
Absolutely. You can’t have too much green in a Balinese-style garden, so don’t be afraid to put your existing lawn to good use when creating this look.
Absolutely. You can’t have too much green in a Balinese-style garden, so don’t be afraid to put your existing lawn to good use when creating this look.
How big does my backyard need to be?
You can make a Balinese garden work in a small or large backyard. It can also do wonders for a sloped backyard as the styling works perfectly in gardens with level changes.
Retain sloping land with decorative concrete retainer blocks and provide steps to different levels through these walls. Decorate with feature greenery and complete the look with pebbles or smooth stones.
You can make a Balinese garden work in a small or large backyard. It can also do wonders for a sloped backyard as the styling works perfectly in gardens with level changes.
Retain sloping land with decorative concrete retainer blocks and provide steps to different levels through these walls. Decorate with feature greenery and complete the look with pebbles or smooth stones.
Which plants work best?
- Bird of paradise
- Palms
- Bamboo
- Frangipani
- Bougainvillea
- Hibiscus
… and pot style?
Opt for large pots in dark colours. And resist the urge to overfill your garden with pots – in a Balinese-style garden, less is more. It’s better to spend a little more and invest in three to five show-stopping feature pots than multiple uninspiring ones.
Opt for large pots in dark colours. And resist the urge to overfill your garden with pots – in a Balinese-style garden, less is more. It’s better to spend a little more and invest in three to five show-stopping feature pots than multiple uninspiring ones.
Which furniture and accessories work in this look?
Tip: You don’t have to maintain your timber furniture perfectly with this look or reseal it regularly – a slightly weathered, lived-in look is very fitting with Balinese garden style.
- Dark timber furniture
- Daybeds
- A shade pavilion
- Sun loungers
- Large shade umbrellas
- Small statues
- Lanterns
- A fire pit
- Plenty of cushions to amp up the relaxation factor
Tip: You don’t have to maintain your timber furniture perfectly with this look or reseal it regularly – a slightly weathered, lived-in look is very fitting with Balinese garden style.
Tell us
Do you love a Balinese garden look? Let us know in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like or share this story and save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Find a gardener or landscape contractor near you
Do you love a Balinese garden look? Let us know in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like or share this story and save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Find a gardener or landscape contractor near you
Sponsored
A Balinese garden has a relaxed, resort-like feel that’s all about relaxation. This garden style is defined by lush greenery, leafy foliage, multi-layered planting and pops of bright colours through plants such as bird of paradise. Floor and wall surfaces are dark and dramatic – think black, slip-resistant concrete pavers for flooring, and dark, natural stone for walls.
Interesting textural contrasts are key to the Balinese garden look. Create it by mixing different palms, a variety of luscious greens, and differing surfaces such as lawn, hard pavers, and textured and smooth stones.