15 lush tropical garden ideas

A tropical garden in the heart of Melbourne

Aralia (Fatsia japonica), with its large, hand-like leaves, forms a lush mid-storey under the taller palms in this Melbourne garden | Photography: Simon Griffiths Landscaper John Couch has created a tropical garden in Melbourne’s south east by mimicking a tropical rainforest setting with its own microclimate. Essential for the success of the garden were the palms: Alexander, Bangalow and cabbage-tree varieties now stand tall in trios and clusters throughout, creating the all-important tall canopy.