One of the most common remarks from those staying in Bali villas when they return home concerns the garden at their villa, and the gardens in the surrounding neighbourhood.
Holidaymakers are often stunned by the beauty and diversity of what is growing in their villa’s garden, and once they wander past the villas nearby, they see that it is not a one-off and that most gardens in Bali are truly amazing.
Apart from being one of the highlights of their holiday when in Bali, many returning home are also inspired and wish to try to recreate some of the features in their garden.
Whilst the climate in Bali and Australia are not the same, they are similar enough to make that possible.
Many of the features you find in a Bali garden are not just organic but are, to a large extent, ornamental, and therefore the climate is irrelevant as to whether they can be included.
To give you a quick starter as to what you might find in a typical Bali garden, and possibly include in your version, here are some of the most common features along with some other ideas to recreate a Bali garden at your home.
Pathways
Pathways are not unique to Balinese gardens, however, how they are created gives them a look and feel of the pathways in Bali.
The key is for them to be decorative rather than simply a series of identical paving stones. Mixing up paving stone colours, laying them in patterns, and stones with rough and uneven edges can create the desired look.
Statues
If you travel through Balinese villages you will see hundreds of statues as they are a core feature of their gardens.
They can be of people, animals, or mythical creatures and a key point is that they should not be placed on the ground, but instead raised.
Bali Hut
Many gardens in Bali have a hut-like structure as their centrepiece.
You can make them from wood or bamboo, and once constructed, they create a quiet and secluded spot where you can bask in the sun, or move under the canopy or roof for some shade.
Water Features
An essential feature of every Bali-themed garden is a water feature. Ideas for this include a pond, an artificial stream, a small fountain, or if space is limited, a bird bath will suffice, which we are sure the local birds will visit and add to the attractions within your Bali garden.
Tropical Plants
The other obvious essential ingredients in your Bali garden are plants and foliage. With Bali having a tropical climate there is no shortage of possible options.
Rules of thumb are to have lots of colours and to have as varied a selection of plants as possible including fruits, orchids, ferns, and trees if space allows.
Natural Materials Only
No matter how many features and ornaments you have in your Bali garden, it is key for the overall appearance and atmosphere that they are made from natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo, rather than man-made materials.
Too much plastic and metal can detract from your Bali garden.
Create Seclusion And Stillness
Our final suggestion is that within your Bali garden you seek to create one or more areas that are secluded and provide for those sitting there, peace and tranquillity. Get this right and you will be close to recreating a true Bali garden a few steps from your door.