37th Issue Vol. 4 No.

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ISSN 2094-1765

October 2011

Fabulous Urban Landscape at Greenbelt Park in

Makati City

Greenbelt Park, located in and around the Greenbelt Mall, is used to be a belt of green, rightly
smacked in the middle of this two city block long area. In the 1970s the south area already had a
lagoon surrounded by gardens, a chapel and an aviary. Around this area was a supermarket,
Max Fried Chicken, Shakey's Pizza and the old Ayala Museum.
A modest-sized building for retail shops and restaurants was built sometime in the early 1980s up
to the 1990s. Then it all changed. Through a series of construction booms, the old Greenbelt
Mall and its peripheral supermarket and restaurants were finally demolished to finally give way to
the Greenbelt Mall Complex.
The lagoon and the chapel were retained. Pockets of Zen-like gardens and water fountains were
built around the complex. The lagoon, winding its way through nooks of the park, has become the
focal point of the complex. You can see an extended family of ducks cleaning themselves on a
grassy bank while small kids try to feed them with stale bread to the consternation of the parks
guards.

People stop and take in the beauty of the green bushes, exotic flowers and therapeutic water
gardens and installations. Although trampling on the grass is not allowed, there are areas with
seats that open up to well-lighted water fountains and greeneries. Feel free to sit and relax.
Strolling from one mall to another (there are 5 malls in the complex) is quite relaxing. Although
the mall complex caters to the A and B classes, the park itself welcomes people from all walks of
life, taking in their fill of this green oasis in the heart of Makatis premiere shopping mall.

Tropical Landscaping with Emphasis on Palm Trees,

Cycads and Companion Plants
by Phil Bergman

Creating a beautiful garden is the goal of many, and there are many garden themes one
may follow to landscape the garden. Which landscape design or theme you select
depends on your tastes. Some people prefer a formal, symmetrical garden with
emphasis on flowering plants like roses and annuals. Some like the alpine look of Pines,
Fir and Rhododendrons. Others prefer an arid desert type of landscape. Many (if they
could), would choose a lush tropical landscape garden. All garden-themes have their
own appeal. Below is a discourse on the creation and design of a tropical to semitropical landscape.
Introduction
We are not going to discuss structure or hardscape, but rather the plants, with some
emphasis on the species one might choose for a great tropical landscape. But, first one
must come up with a concept of what they are trying to create. And, in doing this, there
are many things to consider. The plants you select and how you place them is very
important. We will be showing you photographs of gardens to give you ideas about
what you could do in your garden.

A driveway leading into a lush tropical garden

There are a few guiding principals which I would like the readers to consider as they
review this article and pursue their landscape design: Decide what type of landscape
design you want to create (Most of the examples in this article are about tropical
landscaping).

(Left) Tropical landscape complimented by a stone pathway. (Right) Taller species of palms in
the rear with shorter species in the foreground (photo BGL).
Plan ahead and select your plants wisely; decide which species will give you the desired
landscape design you seek. Dont fall into the trap of planting species that wont give
you your desired landscape design.
Decide on the general design and density of planting that you'd prefer for your garden.
Given reasonable growing conditions, realize that anyone can create a beautiful tropical
garden, but species chosen must be able to survive in your area.
Remember to plan for different layers of plants in your garden and consider canopyforming species for your tropical landscape. Use companion plants to add to the beauty
of your garden and give color.
Use plantings to accentuate and beautify the hardscape when you landscape the
garden. Find solutions for those difficult areas to landscape as part of your garden
design.
Place individual plants correctly. Apply good culture to your tropical landscape plantings.
Be patient and time will reward your efforts.

Water feature accent in a tropical landscape

(Left) Palms trunks along a garden's edge (photo BGL).(Right) An example of different layers of
height in the garden.

Planning Ahead
Most people start with their hardscape design and installation. This means you put in
the pool and decks before you plant. This is not absolutely necessary, but is the most
common practice. But, planning ahead for your plantings is critical.

Blue cycads at the base of taller palms trees

Often a landscape designer or architect is hired to come up with a basic plan regarding
the structural aspects of your garden. His or her main contributions will include the
design of features like a pool, fountains, walls, walkways, decks, water features,
irrigation, etc. And, such an architect might select and specify species of plants for you.
If you know that you want a tropical garden, it is best for you to select a professional who
has experience with the tropical types of plants that you like. Designers and architects
may have their own personal preferences that they recommend and these might not
match your goals. Or, they might have limited knowledge about palms and cycads. So,
either hire a designer with experience with these plants or do research on your own.
And, insist that beautiful species are utilized in your plans. Demand otherwise or buy
your own plants and have them installed after you select them. Once youve signed for
a contractor to provide and plant the common species, its often difficult or expensive to
alter the plants when the day comes for installation of the softscape material. So, plan
ahead and you'll get that tropical garden that you want.

An assortment of palms planted right up to the pool's edge

Getting Started
Now, lets jump forward and assume that your basic hardscape is done. Perhaps you
bought a house with a pool, deck and sprinklers. Lets say these items are there but
everything looks sort of plain and empty with no nice plants. Or, perhaps you hired
someone to install the hardscape and now you are ready to plant. Or, it's just a
"backyard" that you've never landscaped. It doesn't matter. Its what you do with it now
that makes all the difference in the world. Its the plants you select and how you plant
them that will determine the eventual beauty of your landscape. The exact same yard
with the same hardscape can either become gorgeous or remain boring just based on
the plants that are selected and put into the yard. So often people spend a small fortune
on the hardscape and then save money at the tail end their project by skimping on the
plants. This is quite a mistake because the plants are what really makes the landscape
and are (typically) a small fraction of the overall cost of the project. My point here is to
use the same diligence in selecting your plants as you did to select the beautiful tile
around your pool. You really can turn a boring yard into a tropical paradise with the right
plant material and basic horticultural care. And, you can make that landscape project
look like a million bucks with the right selection of plants.
With these things in mind, hopefully by now I've at least put the idea that anyone can
improve the looks of their yard by just putting a little effort into what they are doing and
by selecting the right material to plant. So, lets begin talking about specific topics and
give you ideas of how you can change your yard into a unique and beautiful garden.

Density of Planting In the Garden -- Sparse Planting of a Few Specimen Palms

Major variables in planting out the garden include:
1) Selection of species to plant
2) Creation of vertical height to the garden (a variable of the species you select)
3) Placement of specimens and
4) Density of planting
Lets first talk about density of planting. There are a lot of approaches to density. One
might want a very minimalist type of garden with a few plants here or there. Or, one
might only want only one big palm tree in front of the house. Its really a matter of
personal preference. Minimalist gardens often have expansive areas of lawn or simple
ground cover over these areas. If you go this route, consider plants that get large and
are stately. Certain Phoenix species, Bismarckia, Jubaea, and others satisfy this
situation. But, be aware that one huge plant in the center of the yard can be a bit boring.
In contrast to this, one can do a central planting of a larger species and then
complement this with perimeter plantings closer to the house or fence. And, one can put
companion plants like smaller cycads, Philodendron, Alocasia, etc. near the base of the
larger plants to add interest. It is quite common to see homeowners pay dearly to crane
in a few big Canary Island Palms. But, without additional plants to offset the magnitude
of the big Canaries, the yard looks out of balance and is not really appealing. So, be
careful if you just plan to put in "one big palm".
(Left) Nice pathways are good for viewing the
garden.
Lightly Planted Tropical Gardens
With a little bit more density of planting, one
begins to see yards that are commonly seen in
Southern California. This includes some plants
next to the house and driveway with scattered
plants elsewhere, typically along the fence or
perimeter of the yard. To most eyes, such
gardens are more appealing than the
minimalist garden discussed above. With the
right choice of species, this approach can be
appealing and not overwhelming to the
homeowner. It would be considered easy
maintenance and preserves space for a lawn
or other features. One must still choose
interesting species to add character to the
yard. If one has deck areas, tropical plants can
be added to decorative pots.

A dramatic Brahea armata in flower in the garden.

More Densely Planted Tropical Gardens
Now imagine a garden that is planted either medium or heavy in terms of density of
plants. It is designed like a botanical garden with more emphasis on the plants than the
lawn and utilizing a good variety of species. Often lawn areas are minimal (reserved for
accent or viewing) or eliminated altogether. One might imagine that such gardens are
more maintenance, but when you eliminate the need for mowing and edging, less
maintenance may result. Such gardens do not have to be a jungle. One just
remembers that the ultimate size that a palm "will" become as opposed to the size it is
when first planted. Palms, when young, may look nice crowded together but with time
will compete with each other and overlap.
Remember, ultimate size is a very
predictable thing with palms and cycads. Thus, you space accordingly.
Also,
remember that taller palms grow vertically and in time, the crown of the plant is
overhead. Therefore, two plants five feet apart are only touching above, but give plenty
of distance between each other on the ground. Such a garden, in time, will offer lots of
space for miniature plants and companion plants. Such gardens tend to remind one of a
tropical island like Hawaii and are very aesthetic. Remember, on the floor of a tropical
rain forest, there's lots of room to walk around. It's in the overhead canopy that things
are a bit more crowded.
The Jungle Look
Some people prefer the "jungle look" with very dense plantings in their tropical
landscape theme garden. This can be very appealing, but is overwhelming for others.
This style gives one large trunks next to the walkway and the definite feeling of being in

the rain forest. As plants grow overhead, ground levels open up for planting with
understory companion plants and shady loving color. If you plan this type of garden,
review ultimate size projections for the species utilized so you are not taken by surprise
later.
Eventual Height of the Garden
Now lets talk about the ultimate height of the garden. Of course, culture has something
to do with this but it is more determined by the species one puts into the garden. A
basic principal of tropical gardens is the canopy. This includes crowns of plants that are
overhead. With palms, typically high canopy would be above thirty to forty feet or
above. Mid canopy would be fifteen to thirty feet. Some tropical hardwood trees
produce tops of canopies that are well over one hundred feet. Canopy offers the
homeowner protection from cold, cooler summer temperatures, and dappled light near
the ground for growing more shade-loving, smaller species. Not only is such filtered
light appealing, but it also gives the feeling of being in a tropical rain forest. Canopy
forming genera might include species of Caryota, some Syagrus, Archontophoenix,
Washingtonia, some Ravenea and various other palms. Under the canopy in the filtered
light, there are many species of palms and cycads and smaller companion plants that
one can utilize. Included would be Chamaedorea species, Rhapis, Geonoma, Licuala,
and many other exciting smaller plants. And, between the understory plants and the
upper canopy rise the mid-story species. Such plants might include Pritchardia , Howea,
Rhopalostylis, various Dypsis, Burretiokentia, Chambeyronia, and lots of other beautiful
palms. In time, these three layers of understory plants, mid-canopy and upper canopy
are quite stunning and very aesthetic.

(Left) covered tables and chairs function as a little retreat within the rain forest. (Right) a
densely populated tropical garden forest.

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One looks at the ground and its beautiful smaller plants, then looks up a bit to see the
middle layers of plantings and is immediately drawn upward to the overhead taller
plants. Its a really thrill to see such a garden. Its beyond the scope of this article to
include all the species that would qualify for each layer of this type of garden ( a few
have been given above), but there are many choices of palms and cycads to utilize.

Beautiful palm trees with colorful trunks and crownshafts (photo BGL).
Vary the Species and Utilize Unusual Plants
Another important factor is creating a great tropical garden that shows diversity and
something different at every point of the garden. Here we are talking about different
shapes of leaves, different trunks, different colors, and a whole mixture of plants that
gives interest to the garden. Most people have seen the garden where theres just a
whole bunch of Queen Palms, nothing else. You might admire that someone got a very
good deal on Queen Palms, but the overall appeal of the garden is lacking. Its just
repetitive and boring. There are over 3000 species of palms and most are quite
different. There are nearly 300 species of cycads. Some palms are huge, while others
are tiny. Some have fan leaves. Others have pinnate (feather) leaves. Some sucker
(have additional trunks from the base), while others are single trunked. Some have
crown shafts (the slick trunk below the crown), while others have fibrous or hairy
trunks.
Some palms have blue leaves while others, especially species from
Madagascar, offer all colors of the rainbow in their upper trunks and stems. Still other
species have beautiful burgundy-red newly emerging leaves. The same is true with
cycads. All these differences add a mystique to the garden. The variety of species

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utilized adds aesthetics to the garden. And, this variety is fun! It is highly advisable that
you select from the diverse palate of species that Nature has offered to you.

Towering Rhopalostylis with their bulging crownshafts.

Planting and Layout of Landscape
Another important factor is exactly where to plant each individual plant and how to lay
out the different species. Ultimately, it's always a matter of personal taste. One basic
approach is to put larger plants toward the back and have the garden come down in
height (smaller species) as it approaches you and the walkway. This allows you to see
everything at once. But, scattering the big with the little (mixing it up) does have its
advantages. In a way, it is more natural. Imagine walking through the garden and a
huge trunk is right next to the walkway. And, you walk by and slap it like a watermelon,
looking overhead to the canopy. Another rule is to avoid suckering plants that will get
large right next to a walkway, a deck, a driveway, etc. These suckering plants block
your view of the rest of the garden. You can see past a vertical trunk, but not through a
bushy plant. Also, avoid putting spiny or pokey plants where they might hurt someone
on a path. Remember not to block a cherished view with your plantings; nor block the
view of your neighbors. Also, carefully select plants that will complement your
hardscape. Cycads near a tumbling waterfall are quite striking. Royal Palms following a
long curvy driveway are a classic design idea. Some palms can be trained to lean out
over a pool. If you have large rocks on your property, take advantage of them by

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planting palms and cycads amongst or between the boulders. Remember to not plant
taller species below overhead cables and wires. Also, random planting not utilizing a
regular plot is more natural appearing.

(Left) A shady walkway leading through the garden (Rgiht) Another shady understory
area
Things to Avoid
Avoid a monotonous, repetitive garden. It is really true that a garden with lots of
diversity is more appealing and interesting. I'd highly recommend that you seek out this
diversity when you select your planting material. And, a good specialty nursery (such as
Jungle Music Palms and Cycads) can typically provide you with such material.
"Basement-bargain" plants probably won't give that award winning look to your creation.
But, you still must select species that you actually like. It might take a bit of work, but it
can be done. It is best to select well-grown, high quality material, preferably grown in
your area. Regarding planting, avoid at all costs the "grid" or "checkerboard" approach
to landscape. This is where plants (often the same species) are planted in lines, all
equal distance from each other, all in a row. Such plantings can be appealing if it is
done along a long driveway or parkway. But, be careful. It can look very contrived and
boring. In the garden, if you plant in perfect rows and columns, the end result will not be
appealing. Instead, utilize irregular plantings, groupings, or staggering of species.
Another thing to remember is not to plant a species that will get huge right up against the
house. Examples would be putting a Phoenix canariensis or Caryota gigas right next to
any structure. Also, remember not to put taller species under the eaves of the house.
Avoid spiny plants near the front sidewalk. And finally, do not use too many of the same
species. Everyone has seen the yard that has nothing but Queen Palms. Yes, this is

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boring, but the same undesirable effect can result from any species. Vary your plantings
with different species, sizes, and shapes.
(Left) An array of tropical plants
in a narrow corridor
Problem Areas
Every garden has a few areas
that seem to perplex the
garden "designer". Examples
might include the narrow slot
between two houses, often with
total shade. Or, theres that
ugly area harboring the pool
equipment. Or, that low fence
where the neighbors peer over
to see you in the spa. Or, that
ugly apartment building next
door that looks into your yard.
To us at the nursery, solving
such problems is a daily affair.
And, there are particular plants
for every situation. There are
specific species that thrive in
the narrow slot on the north
side of the house; others are
ideal for hiding the unwanted
neighbor
or
the
pool
equipment. Still others give privacy to a bedroom window or an ugly wall. Such plant
barriers do solve these problems are a much more attractive than leaving things as they
were. And, when done, one forgets about the problems and looks at amazing garden.

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A collection of cycads under a large old tree

Utilizing Cycads
Cycads offer an alternative to palms
for those seeking rare tropical plants
that dont get too tall. They can be an
important part of tropical landscaping.
And, this group of plants is equally as
exciting as palms and have a history
all their own. Cycads are Jurassic
plants that have shown little evolution
since the time of the dinosaurs. They
are quite primitive and at the same
time amazingly unique. They come is
all shapes, colors, and sizes. They
are among the most coveted and rare
plants on this planet. Some almost
get large enough in time that you
would think they are a palm tree. A
common misunderstanding is that the
Sago Palm is a palm; it is actually a
cycad and the term is a misnomer.
The Sago Palm is quite commonly
used in landscape worldwide.

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Did you know that there are hundreds

of other types of cycads? And, each
species is unique in its size and
appearance.
Their adult sizes
ranges from under a foot to over fifty
feet tall. Some are spiny; others are
smooth. Some are blue ad others
green. And, some prefer shade and
have the most tropical leaves of any
plants. And, they are each different
from the other. All are wonderful for
the garden and look great under a
larger palm or against a wall or
structure. Utilizing cycads gives a
real touch of "class" to the garden.
The Companion Plants
Finally, what about all the other
companion plants that one can add
to the garden to create a tropical
landscape.
These include things
such as Ferns, Cycads, Bromeliads,
Alocasia, Calocasia, Philodendrons,
Anthuriums,
Crotons,
Tis,
Impatience, Begonia, and a whole
myriad of other colorful and delightful types of plants. What such plantings do is
complete the garden. A well designed garden with proper placement of species with
nothing but dirt showing between the plants just doesnt look right. One could plant a
shade-loving lawn, but this creates a lot of unwanted maintenance. Companion plants
usually are not high-maintenance. And, the color these plants add to the garden is
fantastic.

On left, two Pandanus specimens are quite striking in the garden. Second photo shows
Ligularia in blossom with colorful Ti plants behind it (donated photo from customer).

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A Few More Ideas...

There are a few more things that we should mention regarding garden design. The first
is to take advantage of what your locality and yard provide to you. If you live in a very
hot locality, select species that thrive in the heat. Or, if you are living on a slope going
down, select species that are aesthetic to view from above. Cycads would be a great
example of this. Or perhaps you have dense shade from a neighbor's tall trees. There
are species of palms that thrive in the shade. If you are lucky enough to have large
boulders on your property, take advantage of them. They hold heat and increase the
soil temperatures. This can assist in growing many species and cycads love to be
planted amongst boulders. All these things help with your tropical landscape design.
Also, consider creating mounds for some of your plantings. Many species like being
elevated.
This can also be a
solution for getting away from overly
wet soil conditions. If moisture in the
soil is a problem, there are species
of palms that love wet soil. Another
point is about walkways. These
provide access for viewing your
garden. Try to make them wide
enough for easy passage and don't
be afraid to give them a few bends
and turns. Curvy walkways fit nicely
into a tropical garden. Adjacent to
the walkways is a great place to
plant colorful companion plants.
Pathways are an important part of
the garden design. A final point
about tropical garden landscape is to
remember that diversity of shapes
and sizes, a variety of colors,
changes in texture, and utilizing
unusual plant qualities adds to the
fun and charm of the garden. A new
red leaf, a new colorful cycad cone,
or broad fan leaves add a final touch
that leaves a memorable picture for
the viewer of your tropically
landscaped garden.
A colorful new leaf of Chambeyronia macrocarpa (photo RV).
Summary
In summary, there are a lot of things to consider when creating a tropical garden. But,
tropical landscape is not difficult. And, anyone can do it. It just takes some planning and
selection of the right species to plant and a good landscape design. At Jungle Music
Palms and Cycads, we would love to help you landscape your garden and attain your
dreams, whether you're just getting started or adding a few final plants. We are a
tropical plant nursery offering palms, cycads, and other tropical trees. And, we feel

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confident you will love what you create and before too long be encouraging others to do
the same.

A colorful Bromeliad accenting a water feature.

Source: http://www.junglemusic.net/TropicalLandscape/index.html

The Urban Gardener is an official electronic publication (in PDF Format) of the Plant
Biotechnology Project, Research & Development Center, Rizal Technological University, Boni
Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Philippines. It is published monthly. For more information, please
inquire thru email: rdc_rtu@yahoo.com or plantbiotech_rtu@yahoo.com and landline
(+632) 534-8267 Local 135 or Fax (+632) 534-9710.
Edited by N.R. Bautista October 2011
The Plant Biotechnology Project Committee is composed of:
Alexander B. Quilang, Norberto R. Bautista, & Jovita A. Anit.

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