How to create a Balinese Style Garden

This week on the rooftop we’ve made good progress and are starting to think about the elements of a Balinese style garden.

I decided to repaint the walls of the rooftop, and what a difference it has made.  I’ve stuck to green, but changed it to a more socially acceptable, earthy tone, which adds to that feeling of  calm and tranquility. I also had the bamboo panels re-stained that have faded in the sun. The new colour has made such a difference, and  looks totally refreshed.

I want the rooftop to have a traditional Balinese feel, because, I’m in Bali. But even if you’re not in Bali it’s an easy style to recreate wherever you are.

So, what exactly makes a garden a Balinese-style garden? Mainly, this look can be achieved by using certain plant choices, traditional Balinese furniture and decorative elements such as water features or statutes common to the island of Bali.

Balinese gardens have exotic and tropical landscaping, suited for the hot, humid weather. You can go all-out or keep it relatively simple by using as many or as few of these elements as you wish.

Garden Decorations & Sculpture

Balinese gardens typically have distinctive and unique  design features.  Examples  include  garden pagolas, southeast Asian-styled elephants, sitting Buddhas and Buddha heads, carved stone lanterns, containers, bird baths, antique carved wood panels and more.

For the rooftop , I’ve gone with a few of these elements because  its a blank canvas and there is the space for it

The three  monks will brighten up a dull area of the rooftop with their yellow and bronze colour.

This buddha plaque will be an interesting feature on a blank wall.

We also have this happy Buddha water fountain which I cannot wait to set up.

I also plan to use traditional lanterns scattered around to give a warm  ambience in the evenings.

Fencing

Fencing typically used in Balinese gardens is bamboo or reed fencing. Reed fencing is more economical than bamboo and widely available at garden and home centres . Be mindful that the Balinese use either naturally dark types of bamboo or bamboo that has had a dark stain applied to it. Lighter coloured bamboo is more common to Japan than Bali.

Plants

Balinese style gardens place the emphasis on green – it’s scientifically the most relaxing colour to our eyes. This suits me as I’m not really into flowers. I much prefer lush, green plants with interesting foliage. We’ll talk more specifically about plants next week.

Accessories

For patios, Balinese style area rugs, candle holders, urns, carved wood sculptures, are a few ways to bring in those styling elements to elevate the space.

Next week I’ll be focusing on the plants; the plan is to go plant shopping (one of my favourite activities ever) and have it delivered and all in place, so stay tuned.

If you haven’t already, you can also view the progress of the other amazing rooms from the and participants here

If y0u’re wanting to get started in creating your perfect outdoor space, check out our outdoor living design guidebook. It’s full of valuable information and tips, covering everything from the planning fundamentals to planting, design themes, furniture and ambience. Get your complimentary copy here

Be sure to check out it out on the blog next week. The plan is to paint the whole area and find some decor or statutes for the walls. Once it’s painted the whole space will start to look completely different. For other garden inspiration, check out my Youtube Garden Playlist here.

The other participants rooms are shaping up nicely too. with tons of progress being made.  Check them here out and follow your favourites

Speak soon.

Want sone help designing your outdoor space? Contact us  to set up a complimentary Design Call so we can  assess  your needs and how we can help you.