Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to revamp your garden. Prices drop across the board, making it a great time to give your home’s green space a fresh look. However, if you’re lacking inspiration, you’ll need to find it somewhere… and traveling can also be cheaper during this time of year.
For a Tropical Garden, the Caribbean and Central America Can Help
If you love lush, colorful, and vibrant gardens, the beaches of the Caribbean and Central America could be your best bet. These regions boast a warm climate ideal for relaxing, but they’re also surrounded by an abundance of flora that you can bring into your home—if you have the space.
You can take advantage of Black Friday hotel deals to travel to Costa Rica, particularly to Guanacaste and Puntarenas. These areas are surrounded by tropical rainforests where heliconias, bromeliads, and orchids thrive effortlessly. If you live in a warm climate, you can replicate them fairly easily—or integrate them into an indoor space if you can maintain high humidity.
If you prefer a minimalist beach-inspired garden with palm trees, sand, and recycled wood, the Dominican Republic might be a better destination. Meanwhile, in Aruba, you can draw inspiration from the resilience of local cacti and other xerophytic plants, which are perfect for sustainable gardens requiring little water.
Is a Desert-Inspired Garden Possible?
It might sound counterintuitive, but the desert landscapes of Egypt, Morocco, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Tunisia can also inspire your new garden design. The use of stones, gravel, and fountains can create a harmonious, understated, sophisticated design that’s also lower maintenance than most gardens.
In Morocco, traditional riads incorporate courtyards with orange and olive trees, as well as colorful mosaics, achieving a blend of functionality and aesthetics. Adding a small citrus tree in decorative pots and ceramic details to your rest areas can capture this essence.
In Oman, garden designs tend to be more minimalist. A desert-inspired garden might include plants like aloe vera, which are not only easy to care for but also have medicinal properties.
Renaissance Elegance Meets Mediterranean Charm in Europe
European destinations can also inspire a very elegant and structured garden. If you’re looking for gardens that stay vibrant year-round, Italy and Spain are prime choices.
Italy is renowned for its Renaissance gardens, particularly in Tuscany, which feature geometric hedges, fountains, and pergolas covered with climbing plants. Websites like Tripadvisor can guide you to some of the most iconic gardens in the region for inspiration. Key elements to include are boxwood shrubs and wooden pergolas adorned with jasmine or wisteria.
In Spain, the country’s Arab heritage is reflected in the design of its gardens. Tiles, fountains, and lavender are common features, along with heat-resistant plants that offer fresh aromas, such as rosemary and thyme.
The Exotism of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia
The tranquility and exotic charm of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia can serve as both a travel escape and a source of inspiration for creating a zen or tropical garden at home.
In Thailand, any garden design should combine a pond with lotus flowers and small sculptures to evoke meditation. Adding a mini pond or a fountain with koi fish creates an authentic touch while enhancing the relaxation you’re aiming for.
Traveling to Indonesia, you’ll find Balinese gardens seamlessly integrated with nature, utilizing bamboo, stones, and climbing plants for ideas to adapt at home.
A trip to the Maldives can also be inspiring. Here, you’ll see open spaces with lounge chairs and hammocks surrounded by plants like hibiscus or bougainvillea, ideal for sunny climates.
Tips for Bringing Inspiration to Your Garden
No matter where you travel, if you decide to incorporate ideas from these countries into your garden, consider the following tips:
- Research the climate: Ensure the plants you choose are compatible with your region’s climate; otherwise, your garden won’t thrive.
- Use local materials: While it may not be as authentic, using stones, wood, or ceramics available in your area is more cost-effective than importing. Try to find materials that closely resemble the originals.
- Adapt to size: Your space will likely be much smaller than a beach or a rainforest, so consider miniature versions like bonsai or bringing the design elements into decorative pots.
- Consult experts: The hotel where you stay may have gardens designed by landscapers. Ask during your visit for tips or advice from professionals.
Take Advantage of Black Friday Deals
Traveling is more than just discovering new places—it’s an opportunity to bring a piece of the world back with you. With Black Friday deals, you can explore any of these countries while gathering ideas to give your home garden a unique and personalized touch. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy an unforgettable vacation and transform your space with fresh and original inspiration.
