"Dry Tropical" Style

Queenslanders are increasingly embracing the tropical garden styles which are far more appropriate to our climate than European styles and associated plants. At the same time, however, we've been faced with an extended period of low rainfall and a burgoening population which has put a lot of pressure on our water reserves.

If we assume that we'll never return to the times of virtually unlimited water (whether from the sky or out of the tap), we might have to rethink our tropical designs, moving away from lush "rainforest" to a sparser "dry tropical" style.

Many of the suitable plants won't be as "lush', yet look dramatic, exotic and colourful. Some will be from dry tropical regions themselves, others from Meditteranean climates (provided they're adaptable to humid summer conditions).

In this climate we should also be growing trees where possible for shade as well as beauty. This will limit greatly what can be grown underneath, especially in a low-rainfall area. Although many plants appreciate light shade, root competition will be the problem. Fortunately plants like bromeliads and some orchids are amenable. In special areas, think about a potted garden for more thirsty plants. However, in a dry tropical garden, perhaps we can sometimes can appreciate a tree as both a garden and a work of art in its own right and not try to cover every square centimetre of ground with vegetation. Less work, too.

In densely-built suburbs without space for trees, garden areas are likely to experience full shade (from buildings) for part of the day and full sun (plus reflected heat and light from buildings and paving) for the rest of the day. So the species selected for these situations will need to be able to cope with such extremes.

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