Island Style Landscape Design Ideas to Prepare for Warmer Weather in Madison, WI

Winter weather can make it hard to imagine the sun will come out again over your Madison, WI, backyard. However, there’s no better way to look forward to sunnier days than by planning an upgrade to your outdoor living space. An island-style landscape design would offer a fun way to refresh your patio or backyard. Imagine the perfect backdrop to all of your family barbecues, pool parties, and get-togethers all year long. If you’ve been looking for a little bit of tropical inspiration, check out these great landscape design ideas that will you warm you up as you plan ahead. 

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Tropical Greenery

While the Madison, WI, climate is nowhere near the tropics, of course, there are still certain plants that can be installed around your home that give off an island-style vibe. You may be surprised at the variety of tropical plants that are available to accent your home that can come back from temperatures that dip below freezing. Ornamental banana plants, ferns, sugar cane, and elephant ears are all temperate climate island-style options for making your backyard feel like paradise. Ask your landscape designer what tropical plants they would suggest for your garden to get that vacation feel right at home. They may recommend such plants would do best in containers.

Fire Pit

Bonfires on the beach are a classic way to spend the evening when you’re vacationing on the islands. Simulate that special time right at home when you have a fire pit installed in your backyard. Flank your fire pit with Adirondack chairs in tropical colors to complete that cool, beachy fireside vibe. 

Waterfall 

Hawaii is known for its surfing and volcanos, but they also have some of the most gorgeous tropical waterfalls in the world as well. Add that fluid island feel to your property with a tropical style waterfall. Your landscape designer can help you to create a lush looking waterfall that works in conjunction with tropical style foliage and flowers to give you a stunning sanctuary you’ll enjoy all summer long. 

Outdoor Kitchen and Bar

No luau is complete without a blazing barbecue! Gather your friends and family around for island-style fun in the sun with ease when you have a tropical themed place to gather and eat. Whip up mai tais and margaritas at your outdoor bar, or create all of your favorite delicious barbecued meals and make every weekend feel like you’re at your favorite resort. Add your own island-style flourishes, accents and decor to really make your space feel like a tropical retreat. 

Related: How to Include an Outdoor Bar in Your Middleton, WI, Landscape Design

Party Pergola

Pergolas offer an excellent way to infuse island-style design into your backyard because of their versatility and style. They provide much-needed shade for all of your backyard parties, and can be used to cover patios, outdoor kitchens and more. You can customize your pergola and paint it in an island-inspired hue, use potted tropical plants around the perimeter, or outfit it with your favorite tropical print patio furniture to really bring the whole look together. Don’t forget to add a string of lights or tiki torches at night to keep that island-style feel going even when the sun goes down.