The Balinese Indoor Garden is the representation of Balinese rainforests within the four walls of the house. Lush greenery with natural elements of the Earth and a hint of exotic is the perfect blend for the Balinese Indoor Garden.
Just like any other South Asian style garden, bamboo is used widely for the purpose of both structure and privacy.
Key elements to the Balinese Indoor Garden are plants, water, stone and shade. The essence of the Balinese Indoor Garden is based on the foliage and type of plants that are used in its creation. The height of the foliage may also give it the effect of a forest. It is hence not a surprise that Balinese Indoor Gardens require large spaces to be able to bloom in their full essence. Plants that grow vertically like palm, bamboo and banana and with horizontal growth like aloe and fern help create the lushness of the Balinese Indoor Garden.
A key element in the Balinese Indoor Garden is ‘Spirit’. This is expressed through a statue of either religious or mythical figures. Such figures always add an element of peace and tranquillity to the space. Like most South Asian origin gardens, Buddha is one of the most opted figures. Since Bali has a majority of Hindu population, Hindu Gods like Ganesha may be placed. Occasionally, animal figures like elephant statues are also opted for.
Adding a stone pathway through a foliage enhances the experience of enjoying the Balinese Indoor Garden.
Water adds the element of movement and life to the Balinese Indoor Garden. A small pond with koi with may be incorporated into the garden. Alternatively, a pond laced with lotus flowers adds to the aesthetic of the garden. If there are space constraints or the individual does not want to put in a water body, a small fishbowl or earthen pot with aqua vegetation may also be incorporated. A water fountain may also be a good idea.
In a Balinese Indoor Garden that has a large amount of space, a gazebo made of natural material such as hay, bamboo and wood may be put up. These create a cool escape within the garden. Bamboo tables, chairs and even swings would create the perfect relaxing environment.
The best part about South Asian indoor garden styles is that there is no compulsion of the kind of space that they require to be built in. They may be created in a small corner of a garden using the basic elements or may an extravagant indoor garden embracing all the space in a backyard garden.
From the maintenance point of view, Balinese Indoor Gardens are easy to maintain. The maintenance mostly involves watering and basic gardening. Depending on the foliage chosen, regular manicuring would be required as tropical plants may grow rapidly in the right environment.
If tropical and exotic gardens is your aesthetic, then the Balinese Indoor Garden is definitely meant for you.