For people who live in temperate climates the period after the Christmas holidays is the ideal time to take a vacation and escape from the cold of winter. If a vacation is not a practical proposition at this time these five tropical gardens will at least allow you to dream. And more than that you may pick up some ideas you can use in your own garden. These five gardens are described in an article by Lauren Dunec Hoang which I found on the Houzz website.

From the Caribbean to the South Pacific, Houzz features some dream-worthy tropical homes and gardens. We?ve selected five of these gardens that are not only beautiful, but also offer inspiration for bringing a bit of the tropics to your own backyard. Gardeners in temperate and subtropical climates (generally USDA zones 9 to 11) may find new ways to include bold, tropical plants in their yards, while those in colder climates can gain inspiration from the design principles of the gardens.
Whether you are looking for ideas for your garden or simply in the mood to indulge in a little wanderlust, sit back and take a tour of these alluring tropical landscapes.

Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

1. Exuberant Foliage in Miami
With bold planting borders, a lotus pond and a thatched dining hut, this romantic garden designed by landscape architect Craig Reynolds hits all the right notes for a dreamy tropical landscape. Variegated foliage edging the pond brightens the planting bed of burgundy bromeliads and deep green palms.

Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Layers of exuberant foliage give the area around the pond a wild jungle look. To get a similar effect in your own garden, choose plants with a diversity of foliage types ? bold, medium and fine ? to cover the ground, midplanting area and background of the bed. Attach bromeliads, tillandsias or orchids in more unusual growing spaces, such as on tree trunks and low-hanging branches.

Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Idea to steal: Create a garden room, such as a covered dining area, daybed or Balinese-style thatched roof structure, called a bal?, for your own backyard escape. Make an inviting walkway with colorful plantings to soften the edges and pathway lights for a glow at night.