Small Tropical Jungle Garden Tour & Design Ideas with Simon Mabury 

The only thing I couldnt make out is what the red light alarm system is for. Exquisite video as always! Really shows the importance of dense planting for the survival of more delicate species. It also looks like it increases the vigor of the more hardy specimens, or this man has his ground composition down to perfection! Amazing growth for a 3 year old garden.

Thanks! I didn't actually catch what the system was for myself but got the impression it was linked to the doorbell but potentially playing up currently! I think you're completely right about the vigor of the hardy specimens. In theory you'd assume the competition would have a detrimental effect but I think for a lot of the Schefflera etc, the microclimate, dappled shade and humidity really make a huge difference even compared to my garden. Top marks to Simon though, he's put the work in and really created a beautiful environment and to do that in such a small space really is impressive.

It certainly is! Haha nice one, you never really know do you! It might look a bit congested for a while but I’m sure your trees will soon shoot up and then the exciting layered planting and ground cover opportunities open up 😃 Good luck with it all, I hope everything grows well for you!

That's high praise indeed and he's definitely done an incredible job, especially given the size of it. It's an amazing combination of the 'flowing' water, very bizarre and unusual plants you'd visually associate with a tropical glasshouse and then the layering, canopy and variety of foliage which gives the impression it's much bigger than it is. It's obviously a style which Simon has committed to 100% and you're right, you wouldn't expect it to be outside a new build house in the north of England!

Me too, I should have ordered them before I uploaded the vid 😬😂

Thanks, I’m pleased you enjoyed the tour round this amazing garden 😃

@@GeorgesJungleGarden yeah absolutely! We have a garden 8x6 with some fixed trees, albizia, trachycarpus and a Japanese Gingko. We have to build around this a jungle garden. So this vid gives us some good guide lines. Question: is it possible to replant a Dicksonia. Would autumn be a good time? Thanks again for the vid!

Yeah you can move DA’s, their root system is throughout the trunk as well as anchoring them to the ground, we dug up a 7ft one in February and relocated it to our garden

Nice one, that sounds like a lovely mix of jungle structure 😃 As for the tree fern, I’d say now is definitely a good time to move it. The soil is still warm and there’s plenty of rainfall to help it settle back in quickly 😊

It really is, very creatively planted!

Thank you very much for watching and your kind words! I'm really pleased you enjoyed seeing it and all the incredible plants, inspirational is definitely the word!

It's an amazing garden isn't it, so lush and green! All the best to you too!

Thanks great, I'm pleased you appreciated it thanks Jacqueline! Hopefully you enjoy the other jungle / exotic garden tours I've done around my garden and other private paradises too if you get chance!

It's amazing isn't it! A great example of what can be achieved in a smaller space. Most of the plants are in the ground but it's impressive to see how many are in pots and how they're incorporated into the design. A real labour of love and a proper jungle!

Very true and you can't get much greener than this! It must be lovely to have that view and experience right outside your door.

Haha yes, not the hottest or the sunniest day, but properly humid and not pleasant at all! I'm not a huge fan of extreme heat if you couldn't tell haha

I don't blame you .I live in QLD and it's is ridiculously hot and humid .

Sorry I missed this comment, yes, I imagine it is! I'd love to visit one day but it's certainly not the climate I'm made for!

Completely! Simon is very lucky to have such a beautiful view right outside his door, I’m excited to see how it looks following his recent building works too, with an even better view and access straight into the jungle 😃

Thanks Gordon, it's something special isn't it! A amazing use of the space and so much planting depth and variety.

Second time tor me too. Any idea how the montanoa hibiscifolia got on over winter?

It certainly is, so many exciting ideas!

Nice one! This garden definitely shows how much you can get out of a small space for sure and hopefully shows that your situation isn’t a compromise, it’s an opportunity! I’m pleased you found it inspiring and I’m sure Simon will be too!

Thanks, it certainly is! A lovely mix of exciting plants 😃

Simon really has created something beautiful!

Simon's done an incredible job with his garden, truly a stunning jungle display in a compact space!

He’s done a great job hasn’t he, so much planting depth but with structure, style and balance too 😃

Thanks Kris! Yes it was impressive enough to see the big Tetrapanax etc but travelling further through there’s certainly a huge range of more unusual plants that I’m sure would work well in both our gardens 😃

It is indeed Holly, he’s done an amazing job of creating so much interest and atmosphere in a relatively small space 😃

Definitely, I can see why! It was great to see it in the flesh, both smaller and somehow more full than imagined! Yes, that one didn’t get much of a feature this time but I’m sure it’ll be a sight you don’t see every day 😃

The leaves shrunk in size whilst flowering but since it stopped I’m noticing them increase again

@@simonmabury7538 whatever you're doing, it seems to be working. Both my 2-year-old plants have once again been decimated by slugs with all leaves eaten. I still have 2 younger plants sown this year that are doing well.

Thanks, it’s a fantastic garden isn’t it! It takes some skill to combine a jungle style, a small space and an overall classy look but Simon’s certainly pulled it off! Oooh it sounds like another water feature is on the way then, I’m looking forward to hearing what you do with it!

Hi, apologies for my delayed reply, thank you very much for your kind words! I've got a good few more garden tours planned for this year - they're an opportunity for me to learn and be inspired too and they're all gardens I'm excited to share on here as well. I hope you enjoy them and I really appreciate your support!

Thanks Shane, it really is! Dare I say it, it actually makes me miss having a smaller garden where so much thought, care and time can go into developing every square inch with exciting plants. The planting is very balanced isn’t it, the layering and mid canopy levels are really well done 😃

Thank you very much, I’m pleased you enjoyed it! You’ve got to be enthusiastic about a garden like this 😃

Thanks, it certainly is! So many unusual and creative plant ideas.

Thanks, it really is stunning isn’t it. I love the layering of the planting and how there’s so many distinct areas even in a small jungle garden 😃

Thanks Iris and it certainly is! I’ve got a little basket type water feature and a tiny pond but no running water yet, I do have a water blade and pump etc ready but I’m a few years away from developing that bit - one day though! It really makes the atmosphere in Simon’s garden 😃

It certainly is! Yes, I’m jealous of how Simon’s Gunnera reaches for the sky, it’s amazing how dense the planting looks in that front bed given the size of the border. The Colocasias are lovely too, well grown, very colourful and in the prime position to enjoy them from the seating and through the windows 😃

Thank you very much, Simon was very entertaining and knowledgeable! He’s certainly created an incredible jungle garden and you’re right, the density as you look through it is amazing for 35m2! A beautiful display with proper jungle vibes.

Thanks, amazing isn’t it!

It certainly is Hugh! Yeah, it really is an impressive jungle, made even more-so by the tiny space it fits in. So many interesting and exciting plants, I’m pleased to hear some have made it onto your list!

Thanks Craig, so pleased to hear you really enjoyed the vid and I had a feeling it would be right up your street! I’m sure there’s a few plants in here that would really work well with your planting too. It was a pleasure to have a few hours looking round such an incredible garden and Simon was an entertaining, enthusiastic and knowledgeable host. Literally the only cuts I had to make in the video were where i had to salvage the audio, always great to spend time with passionate growers 😃

It certainly is isn’t it! I think the planting variety would only be possible with the layering, there’s so many beautiful plants in there!

@@GeorgesJungleGarden George, you have done justice to this garden with your seamless commentary. When I watched it, I really felt you should be on TV presenting gardens. You are made for this 💪

Ahh thanks, that’s kind of you! It definitely takes a lot of your brain power to use the camera and steer the direction of the video so I’m pleased the talking is also coherent and makes for a good vid 😃 To be fair, Simon’s knowledge and personality really makes the video but I’m looking forward to improving and developing my video style on here more as time goes on 😃

Thanks! Amazing isn’t it, so many exciting plants 😃

Thanks, I’m pleased you enjoyed it! It definitely makes you appreciate the variety and effects that are possible in a small space with imagination, creativity and the passion to really go for the jungle theme 😃

Thank you very much, I'm pleased you enjoyed seeing this amazing garden!

We were actually on GW 😁

I think this must be the same one then 😊. its definitely inspirational .

I’m sure Simon will be buzzing that you found his garden so inspiring! Although once you’ve got the bug, there’s no going back! I’m pleased you enjoyed the vid, it was great to see the garden on gardeners world and seeing glimpses of it on Simon’s Instagram over the years but there’s something about making the journey through it in person that makes it so impressive that there’s such different areas of planting and so many plant combinations in such a small space and I hope this walk through vid captures it 😊

It certainly is and I could tell Simon’s mind was whirring away as we talked about certain plants coming out or growing upwards, creating room for even more! A true plantsman and like you say, there’s always room for more! I’m pleased you enjoyed the vid, I had a great time looking round and talking with Simon 😊

Thanks for watching, I’m pleased you enjoyed it and yes, it was amazing to see it in person too after also following Simon for a while 😃 So many exciting plants and ideas!

Hi Steve and yes, he actually did make a joke about his dog disappearing up the far end but I had to cut it due to the audio issue, I’m pleased it was an entertaining and inspiring chat! You’ll love a T-Rex I’m sure - I’m jealous of Simon’s growth rates but I guess that really speaks volumes about the microclimate he’s created and the care given to all the plants. Haha I bet you’re skint after that but if it’s a nice specimen then I’m sure it’ll be absolutely worth it, they’re stunning at that size aren’t they. I hope all is good with you and all the best too, thanks for stopping by as always 😃

No worries Tim and it certainly is! So many unusual and rare plant ideas in such a compact and beautiful garden! It’s a real journey walking through it too, for a garden with so much botanical variety it really feels tied together and is certainly beautiful.

Thank you very much Derek!

Pleased you enjoyed seeing it Richard, it really is an impressive garden!

Thanks Peter, that’s kind of you to say and I’m really pleased you enjoyed it! I know what you mean, so many plant ideas in this one that I’d like to try too 😃

It certainly is! Yes, I love the laying and plant density in that section too - all the greens just work so well together!

And that bit of black painted trellis. ❤

Sorry I missed this comment, yes, the black trellis makes it doesn't it! The perfect backdrop for a garden which is unashamedly all about the plants!

Thanks and sorry for the delayed reply, it's an amazing garden and it was a pleasure to visit!

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Yes, I think it brings you a lot of joy! It is simply amazing !

Thanks, I’m pleased you enjoyed it! 😃

@@GeorgesJungleGarden they are always much anticipated George. Please keep doing what you are doing👍🏻

I appreciate the support 😊 I’d love to, they might not always be as regular but I really enjoy making them so you’ll be seeing more!

Thanks Colin! Apologies for the delayed reply, Simon's garden really is a lush and leafy paradise. An amazing effect in a small space. Haha yes, we all have those spring surprises - often summer surprises too with some of these tropical plants!

It certainly is Stewart, such a wonderful display of what you can really do in a small space! 😃

Are there any plant ideas you saw that you’re tempted to add into your garden?

I just don’t have the room, I’ve got quite a few of the same plants, but as you say you can never have too many

Yes, even I know that feeling! I'll have more space as my canopy plants grow but I guess the main difference is a lot of my plants like the Gunnera and bamboo take up a lot more space overall so the effect will be different eventually. Hopefully we both achieve the same leafy vibe overall though!

I very much share that feeling and it makes me excited for those days when my garden gets to the stage where I can focus on the details, the ground covers and the special tender plants that really give it that wow effect. I’m sure like most of us Simon buys from a lot of specialists and swaps / grows from seed too but he’s also a fan of Sunk Island Garden Centre in Hull too I believe 😊

Thanks! It certainly is a lush and leafy paradise and I'm pleased you enjoyed seeing it!

Ahh that’s great, I’m pleased to hear it 😃

Hi and thanks, that’s really kind of you and I’m pleased you enjoyed it! It really is inspirational and I’ve definitely got some plant and planting ideas from it 😃

Good luck with your exciting garden project too 😊

Very true! Density is definitely the word with this many plants! With your huge space there’s so much potential to plant en masse and have huge drifts of plants but having a small space really lets you focus on the details, layering and density. You’re right, it’s never done and I got plenty of ideas too!

@@GeorgesJungleGarden working on it George. Im already counting 35 Trachys and an array of other palms, but it still doesnt feel as full as simons. Not even close...🤣 More leafy focus needed....

Wow, you’ve already made a great start on that canopy! They’ll soon size up and take up a lot more space and then as soon as they start pushing upwards you’ll definitely be able to introduce more big leaves and go full jungle 😃

Ahh wow, he's definitely done a lot in a short time hasn't he! I enjoyed seeing round it too, it definitely felt so different in person than I expected seeing his photos and hopefully this vid conveys some of the feel of the garden.

Thanks! It takes time but I try my best to be helpful, especially in a cool garden like this where there's so many rare and special plants that I know a lot of you (and me!) will want to grow!

Thanks and I thought you'd like this one! I really enjoyed the chat with Simon and learning about a lot of the unusual plants I've never grown before, it's a properly impressive garden. I think you're right about the diverse styles possible, not just in terms of the obvious dry exotic / leafy jungle distinctions but also the effects that can be created, features like the layering here and the endless combinations possible. It's definitely a proper plantaholic's garden!

@GeorgesJungleGarden I agree with you 100%. Interesting what he said about starting off as a gardener and ending up as a collector. That's me in a nutshell particularly with the palms😁👍

I think for some people the reverse can also be true, starting off as a collector and before you know it a garden has come together! I know what you mean about the palms and when there's a genus with a good amount of exciting variety and potential it's hard to show any kind of restraint! I guess the skilful bit is really making a collection successfully look like and grow well as a garden, something both you and Simon are certainly pulling off!

@GeorgesJungleGarden Cheers buddy. Much appreciated 👍

Thanks Gordon, I’m pleased you enjoyed it!

It certainly is incredible but there's no need to feel disappointed about your garden - just take the ideas you like and work one or two into yours! The larger plants in Simon's garden are on the right hand side which doesn't border another house / garden but I completely get your point. Here in the UK there's definitely rules about hedge heights etc but not the distances as such but ultimately it's all about being respectful, trying not to create a problem and checking it's OK. It's something I did worry about with my garden but I keep the area close to the house, where my neighbour has his lawn, free of taller plants. I guess it's a challenge working within your guidelines but I suppose I'd have the taller 'tree' type plants in the central meter with an offset path. Potentially you could have Ricinus & taller cannas along the boundaries to give the summer height but avoiding trees and shrubs or maybe make greater use of climbers to give that leafy effect.

I’m pleased you enjoyed it, it really is a special space with some incredible planting ideas 😃

It certainly is, I've watched this video back again since uploading and there's even more ideas in there!

Thanks, that's a very good idea Gareth and I'm going to try spending longer at the gardens I visit to cover more of these elements where I can. It's tricky trying to find a balance between creating a tour for people who just want to see around and the cool plants, practical advice for newer gardeners, a real deep dive into the rarities and then other factors like the soil and design etc. whilst still keeping it watchable for 'most' people in a RU-vid format. As always though, I want to keep improving so for newer builds especially I'll try to make a point of bringing up the soil preparations, thanks.

@@GeorgesJungleGarden cheers George. We moved into a new build 4 years ago and we just don't have the rate of growth that often features in these videos. I'm doing all I can each year to improve the soil as well as mulching.

I understand and it sounds like you're doing exactly the right thing. I suspect Simon's garden gets a decent amount of water as I don't have his growth rates haha! You're right though, soil is absolutely key and mulching is the best way to get there.

Tbh I’m rubbish at soil preparation, I’m very much a plant it and see gardener, I’ll chuck manure on at various points but that’s it

Good man @simonmabury7538 and for most gardens that's all you need to do - obviously it's working well for you!

It certainly is, beautiful planting and a really impressive feel for such a relatively small space.

That’s great to hear, it really is astonishing how much Simon’s fitted in and the atmosphere he’s been able to create! You should check out his Instagram for some more recent pics, it’s looking amazing with some extra building works 😃

Hi, check out his Instagram and there should be loads showing the garden in it’s earlier stages. As for money, I don’t know if Simon has kept track of an overall figure but I’m sure he’ll agree that it’s not the biggest plants with the most impact that we’re the most expensive! The Tetrapanax, Musa basjoo, Paulownia, Clematis etc can all be bought very cheaply in small sizes and they grow so quickly. Things can soon get costly when you’re hunting down the rarities those, although fair play to Simon, he’s grown a lot from seed!

Hi, they're some nice varieties for sure but I also like the ones Simon has chosen. Simon is quite limited with his overwintering space but I think he's got a great balance of plants!

Never tried one outside but always worth a go

I haven’t but good luck with it, it’s worth rolling the dice if others have had luck!

Hi, it’s macrophylla, the one at the front near the Colocasias. Not quite as tough on paper but an awesome plant! The middle Schefflera near the ponds is more of a houseplant brought out for summer 😊

They do grow fast but mine are all in pots and will remain so

Do you have to bring it inside in winter

Yes, they aren’t hardy but just need to be frost free

As Simon has mentioned they are a plant that’s tolerant of pot culture, particularly if you’re starting with a small plant. One of the best things about them is how big the fronds are on even young plants in small pots, they size up quickly. I hope your garden continues to grow well and I’m sure it’ll size up quickly 😃

I suspect you might be right, maybe one to try with root barrier and some caution!

Hi, they're planted in the ground. Some plants are more prone to sending up suckers than others and it can be made worse by severe cold, damage to the main growing point or damage to the roots by digging etc. Ultimately these are plants which want to create a group or thicket of plants although 'Rex' is anecdotally less likely to pup. It's a tricky one and completely your decision but they don't grow especially well in pots long term so maybe root barrier could be a sensible precaution! I guess the responsible advice would be to not plant it close to boundaries and lawns although you'll see many people (including myself...) who don't entirely follow that advice! The plants that pop up are easy to remove but obviously you don't want them coming through your neighbour's prized lawn! Sorry this comment isn't conclusive either way...

Haha yes, has to be done 😃

Hi, apologies for my delayed reply, it's been a busy couple of weeks! As for your question, I can certainly associate with your restraints but where there's a will there's a way and a lot of the plants look after themselves very well. Assuming you've got your beds / general plan roughly decided on and prepared, I think I'd focus on any Trachycarpus palms giving them a full summer to settle in before winter and then maybe any fully hardy shrubs can go in this autumn so they won't need as much watering over summer. It's great to plan ahead but I'd also recommend continuing to check out other videos, Facebook, Instagram, any other gardens as forms of inspiration in case you see something which changes your ideas and vision before next spring. When it comes to money savers, I'd certainly recommend using perennials and fillers like the Persicaria I grow to give you good full borders while the other plants establish. Good luck with all your plans!

@@GeorgesJungleGarden thanks for the reply matey, love those palms good shout. been slowly getting through all your videos, much love keep up the good work!

Nice one and no worries. Thanks, happy to help! Good luck with all your day dreaming and preparations!

Hi David, they're both in the ground, the big leaved plants like those ideally need to be in the ground to thrive.

Hi, it's a bit of a messy one but check out my Gunnera banned video. It's more of a restriction on the selling of new plants and cultivation advice for existing plants. My Gunnera will be staying right where it is!

Hi, it’s the giant black parsley I believe you’re referring to, very similar foliage though!

@@GeorgesJungleGarden whats the scientific name?

Melanoselinum decipiens

Thanks Simon, beat me to it 😂

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Erm nice try lol but no you say 'its a bit controversial' then dont mention its scientific name and giant black parsley leaves look very far removed from your so called 'controversial one'

Hi, not a British thing as far as I’m aware, more likely to be somebody relatively new to this video format trying to encourage conversation and the genuinely interesting insights and experiences of another grower whilst also juggling filming and steering the format of the vid. Apologies if you found it jarring and I’m always looking to improve my vids so appreciate the feedback.

@@GeorgesJungleGarden It's a fantastic video. I'm autistic so certain things stand out for me. Keep it up.

Thank you very much, that's kind of you and I appreciate your insights. I'd rather hear this kind of feedback so I can continue to improve my videos for all of my audience.

Nice one, thanks, I’m pleased you enjoyed it and got as many ideas out of it as I did!