A rainforest garden can be a beautiful addition to any home, and it’s much easier to create than you might think. With a little planning and the right plants, you can have one in no time. Keep reading to learn how to create a rainforest garden.

What is a Rainforest Garden? 

A rainforest garden is a type of garden that is designed to mimic the natural habitat of plants and animals in tropical rainforests. This type of garden typically includes various plant life, water features and other elements that help create a naturalistic setting.

Rainforest gardens can be created on a small scale, such as in a backyard, or on a larger scale, such as in a public park or nature preserve. No matter the size, a rainforest garden can be a beautiful and tranquil place to relax and enjoy the natural world.

Cost of Hiring Professional Services for Your Rainforest Garden

If you want the best results, hiring a professional landscaper can provide a variety of services to give you not only a beautiful but also a flourishing rainforest garden. Here are some costs involved when hiring a professional landscaping service.

Average Cost of Hiring a Professional Landscaper in Brisbane

A professional landscaper in Brisbane charges between $40 and $55 per hour for common landscaping jobs. However, this can vary based on different factors.

But generally, landscaping costs in Brisbane typically run between 5% and 15% of the value of the property. Landscapes based on horticulture cost 5% of the value of the property.

On the other hand, landscapes that have additional structural components like paving, retaining walls, decking, lighting, drainage, and irrigation range from 5% to 10%. The range for landscapes with more structural landscaping is between 10% and 15%.

Average Costs of Various Landscaping Tasks

There are various tasks involved in landscaping a garden and each task will cost differently. Here are some common landscaping tasks and their corresponding average costs in Brisbane.

Landscaping Task	Average Cost
Landscaping with new plants and a retaining wall	$3,000
Installing natural turf and new garden lighting	$2,500
Planting multiple new trees and bushes	$3,500
Complete backyard renovation	$4,000
Retaining wall installation with materials already onsite	$1,300
Installing a new lawn, plants, and trees on an empty backyard	$6,000
Installing a conversation pit with paving and built-in seating	$5,000
Decking	$280 – $320 per square meter
Paving	$280 – $350 per square meter

Cost of Having a Professional Landscape Design

In Brisbane, the average cost of landscaping design ranges from $850 to more than $6,000. However, this pricing may vary depending on the sizes and the complexity of the project.

Below is a guide for landscape designs of various sizes and their corresponding cost:

Size of Landscape Design	Typical Cost
Small garden	$500 to $1,500
Mid-sized garden	$1,500 to $3,000
Large garden	$3,000 to $6,500
More complex design project of a larger garden	$10,000 or more

Factors That Can Affect the Landscaping Costs

Although landscaping professionals can give you a standard hourly rate, it can be challenging for them to estimate the total cost of a project due to a variety of factors. Here are the factors that can affect the total cost of your rainforest garden project. 

1. Design

Paying a professional only for a landscape design will only cost you a minimal amount. However, the cost still depends on the size of your garden and the complexity of your desired design.

2. Softscaping

This applies to all of your landscaping’s horticultural components. The cost of this part of your landscaping will depend on the kinds and number of plants you will need.

3. Hardscaping

Many common landscaping projects involve paving of some kind such as brick or concrete paving. But if you truly want to improve the hardscaping of your garden, be prepared to spend more money.

Along with those factors, you also need to think about how much labor and the cost of materials required in order to finish your landscaping project. The more plants, rocks, and structures there are, the costlier it gets.

Hiring a Gardener for Maintenance

Meanwhile, hiring a gardener in Brisbane might cost anywhere from $30 and $80 per hour. The average hourly rate for gardening services is roughly $45.

Hiring a gardener is another aspect that you have to take into account. It is good that there will be someone who will take care of your garden and make sure your plants are healthy and in good condition.

Steps in Creating a Rainforest Garden

A rainforest garden can be a beautiful addition to any home, and it can be easier to create than you might think. With a little planning and the right plants, you can have one in no time. Here are the steps on how to create a rainforest garden.

1. Decide the Right Location

If you have a larger lot, a gully or a slope that faces south or east is ideal. There are no limits on the size or kind of trees you can grow if you have a lot of space.

The only limitations are the amount of labor you’re willing to put in and your budget.

However, in more constrained areas on a typical suburban block with neighbors nearby, pick your location and plant species wisely. Avoid taller trees and focus on groundcovers, shrubs, and smaller trees instead.

Although a natural gully or slope is preferable, a flat site is perfectly okay as long as the soil has adequate drainage. A flat site can be improved with proper drainage by mounding, with rocks and logs to prevent the washing away of soil when it rains.

2. Know Your Area’s Climate and Soil Type

Knowing your area’s climate and soil type is the most important factor to take into account because not all tropical plants will thrive in a particular environment. There are some species that do well in hot climates, while others can survive moderate winters.

So, place those sensitive plants in a pot and then, plant them on the ground with mulch on top if your area experiences winters. During the winter season, just bring them indoors.

The exposure to light that each plant variety will receive must also be taken into consideration as some plants prefer filtered light. Moreover, don’t forget to check the type of soil because not all plants grow on a particular type of soil.

A rainforest garden thrives in soil that is clay, sandy, or loamy. It can also do well in mixed sandstones. This is a crucial factor to consider as well before choosing your plants and trees.

3. Plan Your Garden’s Layout and Design

When choosing the layout or design of your forest garden, there are several things to consider. Do you want a space for mediation, aesthetic purposes or a play place for your kids or family pets? 

Take a look at your space and sketch out your area on a piece of paper. Mark the areas where you won’t be planting anything, such as pools, trees, existing plants, and walkways. Make a plan how you’ll incorporate existing structures into your landscape.

To find more inspiration for the layout of your rainforest garden, check the web. Examine the designs of others to discover what you may use in your garden.

4. Consider Your Pathways

Pathways are crucial because they allow you to walk through your garden and experience the real ambiance of your rainforest garden. Thus, they should be planned ahead to meander across the area and won’t hinder the growth of plants.

One good way is to keep your pathways soft with leaf litter. Then, just outline them with logs or rocks. In this way, they naturally blend within the atmosphere of your garden.

5. Prepare and Mulch the Soil

Before planting the rainforest, prepare the soil first. Some of the preparations you can do beforehand include the following:

6. Choose the Right Plants

When selecting plants for your rainforest garden, it’s important to choose varieties that are native to the rainforest. Here are some tips when choosing what plants to include in your rainforest garden. 

1. Have Some Shade Cover 

You must have some shade if you plan to use your rainforest garden as a place of relaxation and meditation. In hot and dry climates, shade is essential since it helps the growth of plants that are less tolerant to too much heat.

Although an existing tree would provide the finest shade, you can also plant a drought-resistant tree instead. While trees work best for rainforest gardens, an outdoor canopy can be used as an alternative to trees.

2. Plant Density is Essential

One approach to make your garden appear authentic is by having density. Instead of placing your plants in a properly spaced-out manner, try to have them overlap each other to resemble a natural forest.

Try including shrubs like cacti, yucca, agave, and cycads to achieve such an appearance. A tropical garden needs lush vegetation. So allow them to grow such that they begin to overlap or even climb one another.

However, be aware also of how overcrowding affects plants. It can have a variety of negative effects on plants, including hampering fruit and flower production, provoking insect and pest issues, and affecting the plant’s overall growth and development.

3. Add Plants with Large Leaves

To give your landscape greater density and a more tropical vibe, get some plants that have bold and large leaves instead of just sticking with ferns and other shrubs.

Big leaves, beautiful colors, and distinctive shapes are all characteristics of plants that will give your landscape more flare. For example, you can go for hardy bananas as they aren’t that hard to find.

4. Include Colorful Tropical Flowers

Adding exotic and colorful flowers is also one way to have that natural rainforest feel. So diversify your flowering plants aside from what you often find in your neighbor’s garden.

Choose plants with distinctive shapes and vivid colors. The following are some examples of flowering plants that would look lovely in a tropical landscape.

• Canna
• Stream Lily
• Clivea
• Native Violet
• Spider Flower
• Everlasting Daisy
• Native Bluebell

7. Apply Some Fertilizers

Using fertilizer in your rainforest garden helps keep your trees and plants thriving and growing. Soil nutrients can quickly deplete when there are so many plants in one place. 

Your goal is to make sure that your plants are receiving the nutrients they need, whether it be a Sulphate of Ammonia or any other organic granular fertilizer. You can also visit some gardening shops in your area and ask for appropriate fertilizers for your plants.

The following are some fertilizers that you can use in your rainforest garden.

• Seasol plus Nutrients All Purpose
• Yates 12.5kg Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food
• Blue Planet Nutrients Liquid Seaweed

8. Install a Watering System

Rainforest plants may require regular watering as well as the constant application of mulch in order to maintain moisture. This is especially true if your garden is still in its developing years.

The recommended watering setup is a sprinkler system with mist-type spray nozzles placed as high in the canopy as possible, mimicking the natural rainfall. The plants appear to benefit more from this kind of watering system.

Tips to Enhance Your Rainforest Garden

Beautiful gardens undoubtedly appeal to our senses. For your rainforest garden, there are a number of things you can do and various elements you can add to make it aesthetically pleasing. Below are some tips to enhance your rainforest garden.

1. Tips for Planting

The most essential part of creating a rainforest garden is planting. Thus, you should be aware of how to plant your flora species in order to have a flourishing garden. Below are some tips on planting your rainforest garden.

2. Infuse Water Element

Waterfalls and different waterways are common in rainforests. If your backyard doesn’t have a pool or a hot tub, find a way to incorporate water. The sound of moving water would be a great feature of your garden.

If you have a limited area, try to add a pond or a fountain. Water’s presence in your garden can add reflection and enhance the overall exotic experience.

3. Include Wildlife

A rainforest garden comes to life with the sight and sound of birds and other wildlife. Including as much wildlife habitat as possible is a good idea to replicate a natural forest environment.

Local garden wildlife may find food and shelter in ponds, log piles, and dense plant communities. Installing bird feeders and bird boxes is also a way to turn your tropical garden into a haven for local wildlife.

4. Put Some Decors

Now, it’s time to put some decorations into your rainforest garden. Some of the things you can add are a lovely sculpture, potted plants, a huge boulder, and any garden accents that you desire.

Moreover, you can install some torches or outdoor lighting to make your landscape truly fantastic. This will give a cozy feeling to your garden.

5. Put Up a Fire Pit

In a rainforest garden, a fire pit may create a striking focal point. You and your visitors will eagerly anticipate having a talk around the fire. You can either purchase a fire pit or build one on your own using materials like stones, and sand.

Generally, you should construct a fire-resistant inner wall. The pit’s opening should be encircled by the outer wall, creating the appearance of a tabletop.

In order to prevent the wall from drying out and crumbling, it also helps to add a steel ring in the fire pit. Just be sure to place the fire pit on flat ground at least 15 feet away from the house and 10 feet or more away from property lines.

Tips on How to Maintain Your Rainforest Garden 

Although it doesn’t really need high maintenance, a rainforest garden still requires regular maintenance. The following are some tips on how to maintain your rainforest garden.

1. Frequently check if your plants are in good condition.
2. Remove any insects and dried leaves that could harm your plants.
3. Water your rainforest garden regularly.
4. Fertilized the area annually.

Benefits of Having a Rainforest Garden

It’s easy to appreciate the pleasing aesthetics brought about by a rainforest garden. But aside from such beautiful sights, it also offers tremendous benefits for homeowners and for the environment. Let’s explore the benefits of having a rainforest garden.

1. Enhances the Appeal of a Property

A rainforest garden creates a visual wonder with various plants forming a diverse color palette. It is one way to provide beauty and elegance to your property. A well-planned rainforest garden will help you create an outdoor sanctuary that looks inviting.

2. Good for Mental Health

You can distance yourself from the stresses of daily life by getting in contact with nature and spending time outside. With your rainforest garden, you can experience some of this connection even if you don’t go camping or take a nature hike.

3. Helps Reduce Air Pollution

Plants are considered the best natural air filters. It can turn carbon dioxide into oxygen, which is a necessity for survival. A wide variety of diverse plant species also aid in amplifying air recycling and regulating atmospheric humidity levels.

4. Increases the Value of Your Home

A well-maintained garden with a variety of plants is more likely to draw potential buyers since they perceive it as a peaceful environment where they may spend more time outside. As a result, this could raise the value of your house. 

5. Creates Community Spaces

A rainforest garden can foster a sense of community by inviting neighbors to enjoy the outdoors. . With its airy and fresh ambiance, it’s a great way to bring people together. It could also be an ideal space to have conversations with your guests.

Top Landscaping Services in Brisbane

Here are the top landscaping services in Brisbane that can help you create a rainforest garden in your backyard. Contact them to discuss your dream landscape and make it a reality.

1. Brooke’s Blooms

Brooke’s Blooms has everything you need to create a one-of-a-kind landscape paradise. They have qualified horticultural experts who can advise you on the best options for your lifestyle, your garden’s conditions, and the aesthetics you go for.

WEBSITE:	https://www.brookesblooms.com.au
ADDRESS:	7 Network Pl, Richlands QLD 4077, Australia
CONTACT INFO:	+61 7 3166 9037, [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS:	Monday – Friday: 9AM-5PM

2. Trimscapes

Trimscapes has been providing residential and commercial landscaping services to the wider Brisbane area for more than ten years. Their expertise in the landscaping sector guarantees top-notch outcomes for every project.

WEBSITE:	https://trimscapes.com.au
ADDRESS:	37 East St, Lutwyche QLD 4030, Australia
CONTACT INFO:	0452 549 941, [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS:	Monday – Friday: 7AM-4PM

3. Oakmont

Oakmont Landscaping has 50 years of experience in the industry and helps Brisbane families create their dream yards without any stress. They can turn your concept into reality whether you need landscape design, turf, earthmoving, or anything else.

WEBSITE:	https://oakmontlandscaping.com.au/
ADDRESS:	330 Springwood Rd, Brisbane, Queensland, 4127, Australia
CONTACT INFO:	+61 7 3387 0139, [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS:	Monday – Friday: 7AM-5PM

4. Garden Life Landscapes

Reliability, quality of work, and client satisfaction are all important to Garden Life Landscapes. Their team of landscaping specialists ensures that each client is provided with an individualized service they can count on for any project.

WEBSITE:	https://gardenlifelandscapes.com.au
ADDRESS:	12/15 Holt Street, Pinkenba QLD 4008
CONTACT INFO:	+61 7 3278 0558, [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS:	Monday – Friday: 7AM-3:30PM

5. Brizscapes

Brizscapes is a family-owned and operated business providing landscaping services to the Brisbane community. Their top-notch and beautiful landscape designs can enhance your property into a wonderful tropical spot that you will surely love.

WEBSITE:	https://brizscapes.com.au
ADDRESS:	4/40 Leonard Cres, Brendale QLD 4500, Australia
CONTACT INFO:	+61 439 532 152
OPERATING HOURS:	Monday – Friday: 8AM-4PM

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Creating a rainforest garden is not as difficult as you might think. With the above-mentioned steps, you can create your own little slice of the rainforest right in your backyard. Now, you can always have that nature vibe without traveling somewhere else.