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When it comes to creating gardens the Japanese are masters. Using some of their ideas can make a truly exotic garden. Here are some step-by-step suggestions to do it yourself.
1. Select the area in your yard to put your exotic garden. A small area is suggested to start. Keep in mind that a 10 x 10 area is 100 square feet of sweat work!
2. Sketch out several design possibilities. You don't need to be an artist to do this. For ideas check out some landscaping books from the library or research the web for designs and images.

3. Decide, while you are sketching, if you want any privacy backdrops. These can be walls, fences or plants. An area next to a house or other building automatically provides one backdrop.
4. Now, clear the garden area. Remove all grass, plants, bushes and trees except those you want to make part of your garden.
5. Purchase screen cloth from any garden store, hardware store or a general store like Wal-Mart. Lay it over the whole area. This cloth will help prevent weeds and keep your maintenance chores down later.
6. Next, cover the entire area with some form of ground cover, such as pea gravel, lava rocks or sand, preferably beige or white. Use of all three of these or similar covers, adds a variety of texture and color to make a garden more exotic. In addition, this reduces potential weeds and also provide root protection for your plants.
7. Following your chosen design sketch, begin to place your plants. You will want to mix tall and short and have several shades of green for restfulness. Choose plants that are native to your area for best results in your soil and climate. Any non-native plants should be kept in pots or barrels to avoid invasion and or unique disease spread. For eye candy, pick at least one blooming plant for each of the seasons, That way you will have something blooming all year round. To keep costs down here, use some out of your yard and beg starters from your friends. Keep plants to a minimum to begin with. Less is better. You can always add more later.
8. A winding path makes any garden more exotic. Yes, you can put a path in a small area. Check out the Japanese ideas again. They do it all the time! If you are creative, you can make your own stepping stones by painting them or using odd shapes.
If there is a tile store or factory nearby, ask if they have odd lots or left-over square foot tiles they would like to get rid of!
9. If you want seating keep it small and spare. Look for chairs or small benches at yard sales or thrift shops that you can fix up.
10 For extra decorations, as you go about, keep an eye out of potentially pretty pottery, rocks and wood pieces. Solar lights can provide romantic night lights without adding to your electric bill. A small pond or fountain always enhances a garden area, however, these can also cost a bit not only to purchase, but to maintain.
When you are all finished, sit back and admire your artistry. Keep the sand raked in different directions and patterns. Experiment with rearranging your potted plants. See your garden in all different light and times of day. There is nothing more soothing that a beautiful, exotic garden.

Learn more about this author, Martha Leonard.
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