You can create a tropical-looking garden even if you don’t live in a tropical climate. Of course, if you already live in a warm, humid climate you can go native. But by designing in effects, materials and the right plants, you can still create the illusion of the tropical garden even in areas that are decidedly not tropical.

Tropical gardens tend to be lush and you can ad that opulent look by planting thickly. Large-leafed plants are typical of tropical climates. Big, colorful flowers also create the feel of a tropical paradise. Check out the plants that grow well in your climate. There are usually a surprising number of them that have either large leaves or showy flowers. Even in the desert there are some natives that can be mixed with Mediterranean type plants to give a very tropical feel despite their drought-resistant lifestyles.

Don’t depend on the plants alone. Using construction materials that read ‘tropical’ will help build the illusion of a warm, humid paradise. Consider building with bamboo or rattan. You can find outdoor furniture, some of it constructed in vinyl or fiberglass for durability, that can help create the rainforest theme. You can add a water feature like a pond, a pondless waterfall or a fountain that is sculpted to enhance the sultry illusion of the tropics. Cluster closely planted greenery around your water feature to create an impinging jungle. Or perhaps you’d prefer to build a barbecue or bar with a roof thatched with palm leaves.

Finish off with some décor. A fallen tree stump, some large lava rocks or maybe a few tiki torches might fit in nicely. Don’t over-do the details or it will start to look artificial.

If you don’t live in a tropical climate, it is best to design a theme garden like this within a walled backyard or other area that is visually cut off from your surroundings. A tropical garden will look strange sitting in the middle of a tall-forested or barren chaparral landscape. Also make sure the tropical look blends sufficiently with the style of your house. You don’t want radically different styles to be fighting with each other.