Tropical Southern Highlands

I‘ve just returned from the most fantastic tropical holiday, and I’m inspired to create my own tropical paradise at home. But, how can one create a tropical getaway in the Southern Highlands? The tropics don’t really go with frost and occasional snow. It can be done; you just need some fabulous flamboyant foliage and fragrance.
Plant choice is critical. You need to choose frost hardy specimens; otherwise your tropical oasis will look like a soggy mess. Flax and Cordylines are the answer. These plants are available in greens, reds and purples, and many have multi coloured stripes. They have bold, strappy foliage and are so tough they are almost unkillable. Most Flax grow to about a metre and Cordylines are generally taller, growing to 3 or 4 metres. They all suit tropical gardens, and look great in groups. Choose the few you love and repeat them, then add some green foliage to highlight the colours.
Next is some fragrance. You want to experience that lovely balmy tropical perfume wafting in the air. Plant some gardenia radicans in the front row. This is the most frost hardy Gardenia and is a real performer. Also plant some star jasmine. This can grow as a climber or groundcover, and has white flowers which smell divine. Perfume is a knockout, and you will be transported back to your great holiday.
You then need to add some drama. This can be a great pot, statue or a gorgeous bowl of water; something wow and interesting.
In late spring you can have some fun. Fill your tropical garden with New Guinea Impatiens for the shade, or Vinca for the sun. Pot up some dwarf Bougainvillea and you will have vibrant colour until the frosts arrive. An outdoor room is an inexpensive and highly functional space, and a dropped peanut or spilled glass of wine is no big deal on the ground or deck. You will use your garden oasis often, making it an affordable and enjoyable sanctuary.
Remember to visit your garden centre in winter, and see what looks good. Chances are, if it looks alive and well outdoors in the nursery it will survive in your garden.