The heat is officially on, and I'm dreaming of the perfect tropical getaway that I won't get this year (and probably not next). Strong urges for naps on the beach were satisfied by surfing the Coastal Living site, until I stumbled upon their summary of 9 Beaches in Bermuda, then the urge to get away came back stronger than ever.
My travel budget is limited, and current circumstances make traveling a little tricky, so I've come up with a full-on tropical getaway for the backyard. A fairly traded hammock, $135, is perfect for hanging out: it's handwoven in Nicaragua from 100% cotton by a small group of handicrafters, so you'll feel weightless knowing they were paid fair wages for their work. As you drift off to dreamland, the soft sounds of a capiz windchime, $28, will lull you like the ocean, while blessings drift overhead in the breeze ($18). Scents of citronella, neem, eucalyptus
and basil wafting in the breeze from fair trade incense, $16 from 10,000 Villages, is made by artisans who are deaf or physically disabled, so your pesky conscience and even more irritating mosquitos will be kept at bay while you relax. A few well placed tropical plants in a sea inspired planter, $28, complete the idyllic look that is your very own backyard.
What plants would enhance your local getaway? Our Brown Turkey Figs never fail us, or try a cold hardy version. Lemongrass will add scent to your space, while there is nothing more tropical than bananas (we grow the seedy fruit producing Musa velutina) and hibiscus. Native grasses, sea holly, artichokes and cardoons , yuccas (the flowers are edible!) or New Zealand flax, mounding artemisia, galliardia and coneflowers, oleandar, sea oats. . .these plants are perfectly suited for recreating a sand dune-inspired garden of your own.
If you like the idea of a little scent, why not try pineapple sage, eucalyptus, mints, rosemary, or lavender? The unusual mints (chocolate, orange, etc.) and lemon scented herbs like lemon grass, lemon verbena, and lemon balm are perfect for picking and adding to lemonade and iced tea.Speaking of which, I can't imagine a more perfect iced tea blend than hibiscus and lemon verbena, lightly sweetened with stevia; made by Wildroot. Brew some up in a recycled glass pitcher from Bolivia, $28, ice it down, and sip it from a glass (also made of recycled glass) wrapped in woven palm leaves, $5.
Serve it up tropics style on an aluminum leaf tray, $38, perched on top of a mango wood stool , $38. You could also get adventurous and grow your own Camellia sinesis for traditional style teas, complete with a homegrown slice of lemon. We've got a 4 year old Meyer Lemon, and it produces tasty little fruits for us annually. Oh! The possibilities! Or maybe Orangeade is more your speed? Try one from bitter orange for a more exotic experience.
Yeah, redoing your backyard might cost nearly as much as a tropical escape, but just think: it'll last way longer and you can have it all delivered to your doorstep! Thank you, internet!
Renee Garner has a passion to make things grow, although her
brownish thumb wants her to believe otherwise. When mud pies aren't on
the menu, you can find her doodling the days away at Wolfie and the Sneak.
