Buying a 5200 sq. ft. Tropical Atrium... DREAM HOUSE PLANT TOUR!

[@davehoward3137]

Thank you to everyone who enjoyed the video of our atrium. And a bigger thanks to those who left comments. And of course, thank you to George for his wonderful narration and content. We appreciate all comments and suggestions regarding future ideas for plants with more fragrance and color, as well as general ideas for smaller/lower plants. While we may never reinstate the indoor fish pond, we do have the small lake outside and we have a couple hundred gold fish/carp out there. Having both a small lake and a swimming pool within our property are enough bodies of water to look after at this time. We feel honored to have been able to purchase this property and to pick up where the original owner left off. He definitely had a specific vision and taste, and while it may not have been what we would have done in some instances - the amount of thought, time and money he put in really shows. We are looking forward to learning how to become amateur gardeners and slowly adding more plants and such over time. And hope that George will come back in the future and film an update! Thanks to everyone again!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much for your kind words Dave. I definitely appreciate where you’re coming from regarding the pond and I’m sure lots of people will look forward to seeing the changes you make going forwards. I’d love to do a follow up video in the future of course and help out in any way I can! I’m pleased the place is being saved and you’re so keen to do it justice in your own way, there’s definitely some lovely suggestions people have kindly left.

[@sandorspalms]

Amazing place you have Dave! Truly enjoyed the tour!!👍😁🇨🇦

[@Valko67]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden yes , i am looking forwards how Dave lets progress this beautyfull place , like you said George , ideally place , we would love to own it 😜🤤🤤 😍 enjoy it

[@vicstee482]

How sad that someones vision was so neglected. Hopefully you can bring the spirit and life back to this amazing space. For those of us who love our gardens, that is the worry of new owners. Will they love my garden?! I think about it a lot. Along with the wildlife that use it. I hope you have many years of adventure and happiness in your new home 🥰🏠🌴

[@northeasthardytropicals541]

This is phenomenal. I love the mature tropical specimens in the atrium. Being a pond person, I would absolutely get that pond back up and running.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It is indeed and they’ve certainly got an enviable base to work from, the central Chamaerops especially is a cracker. I can’t fault you for wanting to reinstate the pond, somebody else mentioned surrounding it with Cyathea tree ferns which would definitely be a sight to see!

[@invinciblecucumber]

So much potential. I would just go crazy with it and pack every free spot with tropical plants.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Definitely! That would be very tempting I'm sure!

[@philippehoyez9398]

Such great potential practically unused!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I'd look at that as a positive, they've got a great structure in place, some key established plants and with more planting the place will come alive! It's an enviable opportunity!

[@idandidnt]

Amazing atrium. Some tips I can think of: 1. Grey gravel won't work, use stone or whiter (obviously not bright white lol) or brighter for reflection, to make sure the undergrowth of plants doesn't end up shabby. 2. Having a fish pond in itself will reduce the cost of heating as the larger the body of water that's there, the less fluctuation to the temperature overall they'll be. Also increases humidity. Heating the pond is probably cheaper again than just heating from 0 the entire atrium. 3. Definitely start by getting rid of everything you want rid of and then you'll know what you can plan for... 4. Go on a holiday to a place that you've researched has the same temps avg all year round and then go and pick the plants you like. Madeira is amazing! Good Luck!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Dan'l, it certainly is and those practical tips will be appreciated I'm sure! 1. Good shout. My thought would also be to introduce some complimentary larger rocks rather than just have a consistent covering of the same grade. Whether the end result has a desert / scree type effect is completely down to taste but a bit of naturalism and variety would help balance out the formality in my eyes and make some of the 'non-plant' spaces work. 2. Potentially true, yes, a lot of the cost in my head depends on the type of fish and filtering etc. Is higher humidity necessarily a good thing though? In winter it wouldn't be optimal for these arid plants and in summer it could be bordering on unbearable in there without mechanical ventilation etc. 3. Wise words. I think they're nearly at that stage. As you can see there's still some struggling plants left. Some will bounce back, others won't but I think they're doing right by tidying up, replacing the irrigation and giving them a chance. 4. Again, very good point! I'm sure one visit to somewhere inspirational will get the seed of an idea planted and a place like this wouldn't need much to take on a more geographic or botanical theme. An exciting opportunity for them, thanks for your wisdom!

[@davidbanner9001]

What an amazing place that has so much potential. Obviously future planting really needs to take in the height of the building. And although the red brick would not be my first choice, it certainly could be used to contrast the lush colours of plants. I think the border on the side of the swimming pool, should be planted with smaller/lower plants as you mentioned. That way when either leaving the pool or having the doors open, you have a much more open view of the rest of the area. But the most important thing about the whole area is that the new owners bought the property with Atrium in mind and of course the pool. But you can't blame anyone for also wanting a pool! I'm really looking forward to seeing an update to this video in the coming years. Thank you to the owners of the property for sharing this amazing space with our George and for him for sharing it with us.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks for a thoughtful comment, it is indeed a stunning place that could be seriously beautiful. You speak a lot of common sense! As much as my interest can be very plant-focused, with a place like this the constraints of working with the space and planting for practicality rather than just growing rarities because you can will certainly improve things even more going forwards. The pool looks amazing by the way, very classy, like a real top end spa and a nice contrast to this bright & open space.

[@vtriplej8334]

Amazing what a dream I'm a huge lover of water fountains ⛲ thank you so much for sharing to the owners and you George cactus lavender mint and well can't get enough of all the different palm 🌴 beautiful

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks for watching and I'm pleased you enjoyed seeing this stunning place! The palms and fountains are certainly beautiful and some cacti and lavender would definitely compliment them very well. I'd love to really go for it with the arid and Mediterranean planting, they've certainly got an amazing opportunity and journey ahead of them!

[@Valko67]

sweet place , i can only dream about such place ,and what i could obtain in such conditions with my tropical collection plants , love it , thanks George for the share

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Definitely, you and me both! 😃

[@sandorspalms]

Great tour George and thanks for sharing this amazing place with us👍😁🇨🇦

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much, I"m pleased you enjoyed it!

[@TropicalGardening]

What a beautiful place! Great video!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much, it really is! Somewhere I'm sure we'd all love to plant up!

[@marianne9798]

Wow what a stunning place! Love love love it!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It is indeed Marianne and it was a privilege to be able to film and share it! The new owners are incredibly lucky for sure!

[@Valko67]

stunning masonry to , bravo for such a nice concept , so naturally and blowing structures ,yeahhhh , it is the pleace i like to be until the end of my life , no one could take me out of such place , you feel diferent , it is a eden garden to me , welldone

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It certainly is. I know I’d be happy in there even if it was a rainy day! I’m sure it’ll continue to improve and look even more majestic going forwards 😃

[@heatherfindler6950]

Thanks for sharing George. What an amazing place with bags and bags of potential. Would love to see it again when the owners have put their stamp on it and planted more. 😃

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks for watching Heather, it certainly is! There'll hopefully be a return visit one day!

[@TheEnchantedWoodnymph1111]

What a beautiful garden! And the potential for greatness is a few steps away, though honestly its already there in my eyes. For some reason, I can see this as a themed garden... Maybe something exotic! Like a Balinese/Javanese Garden! The only thing missing are beautiful sculptures to create punctuation points throughout the garden. Also, maybe various sized rock/boulders to break up the linear sense of the grey gravel. Just a suggestion😌

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It is indeed and great ideas thanks! I was just saying the same on another comment, I'd definitely bring in some larger rocks to break up the gravel. You're completely right on the theme idea, the place is a blank canvas and it would only take a few choice sculptures or additions to instantly give it a different vibe. I think they're doing things the right way, fixing what was broken, tidying it up and then giving it some serious time and thought while they're working on the house. Personally though, I wouldn't even be in the house haha!

[@TheLittleGreenBee]

Wow that is certainly a project! Personal preference but I couldn’t cope with all that red brickwork I’d be growing plants up it as fast as possible or even rendering parts of it and retiling the floors but I’m sure they didn’t buy the place to do those kind of works. Bougainvillea, passionflowers,daturas I’d want to fill every spare inch of wall space with plants😁maybe a trip to the Eden project could give inspiration. Well done to the new owners for taking it on what a fabulous journey they will have, I hope they make a beautiful garden that they enjoy and get years of pleasure from it

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It certainly is! I get you on the brickwork but personally I like it. If you're going to go big with the planting I think it helps to have a strong structure and framework, but I completely agree that having some more plants to soften it would be a great idea. Top suggestions thanks, they'd definitely bring some exotic colour! I'm envious of the opportunity but I'm sure they'll do a fantastic job with the place!

[@ianblake3003]

Hi George thanks for sharing such a beautiful place i would love to see a beautiful mosaic on the floor around the fountain and up the walling to meet with the seating and i would do it a similar colour to the brickwork around the atrium but would have giant exotic leaves in patterns and in different colours in the mosaic to replicate the vibrant colours exotic plants have and a big thanks to the couple for sharing such a wonderful indoor garden.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Ian and thanks! The brickwork and planting would certainly suit a mosaic and it would be a fantastic opportunity to inject some colour. Great suggestion, thanks!

[@sonyawhaley]

George, so impressed by the atrium (a dream come true for the owners and wish I was in their shoes!) and by your ability to shoot your talk-around walk-around in a single take. It's a delight to watch. Well done 🙂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much Sonya, I'm definitely envious of their opportunity too! Thanks for the compliment and without wanting to shatter the illusion, it wasn't entirely done in one take! Well, the tour mostly was but you always end up having to trim bits out to make it more KZbin watchable. I actually filmed it all walking round then decided it was a bit too long and meandering so I did the whole thing again focusing on the highlights with a bit more structure, time consuming but still quicker than scripting it all etc...

[@sonyawhaley]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Oh, ha ha. Well, well done on your seamless editing skills then, lol :-)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you, I'm pleased it came across as seamless haha!

[@shineamenmbs3107]

What a place! The size of these Yucca and Chamaerops humilis is mindblowing! Very attractive bush of pink Pelargonium. The fountain is so elegant! A lot of plantation still to do. I'm a fan... of fan palms and also of the Yucca rostrata shape. A bush of Aloe arborescens would be nice (in the Atrium or in the two rectangular symetric places). And yes, these two places would be great for Cactae and succulent plants would be great. The Phoenix canariensis will have to travel a bit someday... As for your garden, i agree to say that the Washingtonia sp is not hardy enough. Thank you George for the tour. Tc 💚

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you Bernard and you're completely right. The healthy Phoenix won't be able to stay in there forever but I can't blame them for wanting to enjoy it's exotic canopy for a good few years yet. The way I see it is they've got an incredible base. I'd personally move the Wollemi pines, maybe the Butia and the tree fern outside (in the hope of recovery) then start to introduce plants like Aloes, basically the next level of exotic plants that would thrive in those conditions. I completely respect them for taking their time with it and all their efforts getting it to this stage - I know I'd be impatient to get more plants in! We can all dream!

[@shineamenmbs3107]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Yes George, I would be impatient as well!😁 A Wollemi pine would be a delight! I'm sure that the owners can rely on your precious advices and knowledge. Thank you for your time. Tc always!❤

[@annclarke9865]

Omg that is absolutely amazing my dream

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yep! So many potential plant ideas in an incredible setting 😃

[@slimytoad1447]

Stunning!! My idea of paradise,thanks for sharing,truly inspiring

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I know, what a place! The plants you could grow...

[@TheJake76]

Scented plants I'd put some brugmansia and citrus trees in there too. This place is a dream!!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Sorry I missed this comment, it certainly is the dream! Brugmansia and citrus would definitely fill the whole place with scent, great suggestions!

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

Hey George. Fabulous tour of a fabulous space. So much potential. Some beautiful plants already in place but the interesting thing for me is most of them could be grown outside without the atrium (apart from the large yuccas). There's already lots of greens. The first plants I'd buy would be all purple and silver foliage plants to contrast with them. Purples (cannas bird of paradise/black tropicana/wyoming/cleopatra). Ensetes maurelii. Silvers. Brahea Armatas. You could easily grow Bismarckia in pots there. I'd move the tree ferns and the Wollemis outside. I'd put in some standard bird of paradises, heliconias for colour and load up on exotic dahlias for the summer. I'd remove the gravel bringing it back to soil. The brick edges look great but everything needs softening with some trailing plants. I'd absolutely use the sunken area as an area for sunbeds surrounded by potted exotic palms. I'd try lipstick 💄 palms, bringing them into the house in pots for the winter. Those beautiful red trunks would look stunning. I'd have an arid area planted up with colourful mangaves which would size up quickly in those conditions and do really well. I'd put a couple of large yucca rostratas for more silver together with a yucca linearlis for it's symmetrical architecture There's unlimited possibilities here. Plenty of cash and time needed but it'd be worth every penny. Cheers mate. Brilliant video

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi VC, I was waiting for the palmage to draw you in! It's definitely an amazing space and the plant choice is certainly interesting, almost like a checklist of unusual and hardy exotics starting to become more widely available 15-20 years ago. Thanks for your suggestions! I'd like to think Bismarckia would do OK in there without additional lighting but Brahea armata would be my number one palm choice, ideal for the conditions, slow growing and a stunning contrasting colour. I'm with you on the gravel too, I'd go with a lighter 10mm golden gravel and sand layer as Henry suggested for the more arid type areas then bark for the more tropical areas. The brickwork would look awesome with some more planting around and over it! I'd move the tree fern, Wollemi pines and maybe small Chamerops near the Phoenix and Butia outside too. A sunken seating area with sunbeds surrounded by palms would be very cool indeed. I'm actually coming round to not having too many big leaf plants in there (in my alternative reality), I'd possibly go full on Mediterranean / arid style. Mangaves, Yuccas linearis / rostrata would be definites then tree aloes, large cacti, agaves, aeoniums etc etc all the way. It would be good to have an environment where you can leave the majority of plants on the dry side in the winter and know they'll be OK then also know they're going to thrive in the baking summer heat without a lot of care. That said, how awesome would a full size Ensete look in the middle of winter...

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Absolutely agree mate. That perfect purple, undamaged by wind foliage would be just superb. Your suggestions are classy re plants. The arids would definitely have to feature, so much to choose from one thrive in there and practically zero maintenance. The opportunities are huge but coupled together with some challenges. I love the washies but they're gonna have to go in time due to their size, similarly the phoenix palms. As you alluded to, I suspect the choices made at the time were influenced hugely by availability of plants years ago which I imagine was greatly reduced. I think one of the strongest sets of plants there are the sagos, some if them really big specimens which would cost thousands to replace. Given proper feeding (which from the yellowing I suspect they have lacked) they will do amazing. The owners have made a great choice buying the place. Imagine that fountain outside also flanked with 2 large butia odoratas.....mouth watering 😁

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Mouth watering potential indeed! The washies and phoenix palms are certainly living a finite life in there and it would definitely be a tricky decision whether to enjoy their maturity for a few more years or accept the inevitable and move them before they get bigger. The healthy Phoenix and Butia I'd definitely give a shot outside, along with a spot under the trees for the Wollemi and tree fern in case they pull through. Thinking it over, I think I'd just go for it, knowing then that the replacement planting would be either very long term or able to be pruned (like the yuccas). Plus the idea of seeing the Braheas, Chamaerops 'Cerifera', Kentia palms and other stunners slowly but majestically size up over the years would definitely even out the short term loss of the fast growers. The Cycads are revolutas, beautiful and slow growing but definitely on the more affordable end (relatively speaking). The ones in my vid at Linden Nurseries were around £400 each for a similar size but yeah, I wouldn't want to be replacing them haha! I suspect you're right and with some feeding and proper summer irrigation, they will look amazing I'm sure. A true plant lovers paradise, not necessarily for where it is now, but for the options and developments I know we'd all love to mull over and see happen!

[@jameshorton8404]

I liked this video before I even watched it! That's confidence for you.

[@jameshorton8404]

Yes. I was right to like it! Cheers George, top video.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha thanks James, top man! It's a place with so much potential, the plants you could grow in there...

[@YorkshireKRIS]

Well this is kind of incredible. Looking forward to watching the full episode.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It certainly is Kris, thanks! The planting options are pretty much endless, just having a well ventilated, bright and frost free space like that - tree aloes, tender succulents, some more tropical palms would be right at home!

[@4parsnips976]

Wonderful garden. How about experiment with orchids, tilandsia and sculptures, delightful surprises to be discovered on the journey through the space. Scattered seating to take advantage of the different aspects. I think it’s previous owner would be pleased to know their dream garden is continuing to thrive.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It is indeed! I think those ideas would fit in really well and the sculptures would certainly bring colour and add to the journey like you say. I'm sure you're right there. Whatever your incentives or inspiration initially, knowing that your creation is going to be looked after and evolve is definitely a lovely thought.

[@waynepeake271]

Beautiful to have that space under cover omg I would be in heaven . They should do open days to help pay for the up Keep or future plans/plants . I would have tropical birds monkey sound on a sound system going off Nice glass of wine on a tour Hint to the owners . That pond area is beautiful as well 👏🏻 to the owners . Great video George ! 😊

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Wayne and top idea haha! I'm sure they'll enjoy having this as their own private paradise but there's certainly a lot of exotic plant enthusiasts that would appreciate a tour round I bet! It's certainly a dream setup.

[@leedogg6120]

Beautiful. I would also like to see a tour of the house too.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It is indeed! The house is impressive but a lot of the touches were definitely quirky to say the least. There was a lot of hard work being done when I was there and I'm sure the new owners will do a great job of it!

[@tedscott1478]

It's amazing... Some lovely big old plants there.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It certainly is! I know the Washingtonias and Yuccas are probably a bit too fast growing but that central Chamaerops is definitely a well established beauty, it should certainly stay!

[@hughmartinmcalary7702]

Firstly amazing brickwork. I can really appreciate that. It's your backdrop that's not going to change so make it work from there. I'd go more succulent, agave, yucca and cactus with a few large specimen olive and aloe trees and keep a few of the palms that are thriving that will add not only contrast and height but also shade when needed. If they dont want to go down that route what about a huge crevice garden full of rockery plants and alpines the raised beds are perfect heights for viewing with small semi mature flowering trees for shade and height. Definitely reinstate the pond to some extent, possibly move more towards a pondless waterfall for a flow of water sound rather than a wet dripping sound. Please rescue them wollemi, I really want one! Thanks for the video George keep the updates coming on that patio of your too!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Great ideas Hugh, thanks for your suggestions. The brickwork is definitely very impressive, the previous owner had very high standards and the finish certainly shows it! I can't fault your suggestions, I'm definitely on the same page. With some mangaves, aeoniums, echeverias etc. too it would look even more stunning for sure and not take much, if any additional care or resources. Crevice gardening is something I'm considering around the larger yuccas I'll be putting in and it could definitely work here, like you say, the beds are the perfect height for viewing them. A pondless waterfall would certainly give a lovely sound - the current fountain isn't quite set up yet though so may change. I'd personally move the Wollemi outside to one of the spots around the edge of the garden, there's other unusual conifers that would compliment them well. I'll have an update video of my project near the back end of the year, as soon as the plants are put to bed for winter this month I'll be able to get the barrow and stones down there easier! Time is the major limiting factor currently but I've enjoyed making time for the recent garden visits and videos recently too.

[@shazodell7922]

Absolutely stunning. Fairly new to your videos George. I’m hooked!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much Shaz, that's very kind of you to say so! It is indeed a stunning place and I'm sure it'll continue to improve with the care it's getting!

[@thecornishbiker9323]

Id be tempted to paint some of that brickwork white or black to help show up the plants. Think i need somewhere like this to over winter my tenders.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I could definitely do with a space like this too! I'd still get carried away though and try to grow plants that are pushing it just a little bit too much haha! On the brickwork, I can see where you're coming from but personally I'd leave it as it is. It's so tidy and consistent and a very strong architectural base - it just needs softening with more planting and breaking up with more colours in my opinion!

[@thecornishbiker9323]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden more plants is definitely the answer to all things garden.😀

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha can't fault you there!

[@jhiedeeemm146]

Thanks for sharing. You deserve more subscribers. Looking forward to an update. I would like to suggest bouganvillea and hibiscus plants.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much, that’s very kind of you! I only started last year so still trying to improve my videos and I appreciate anyone who chooses to watch them! Great suggestions for colour thanks, the bougainvillaea would definitely help soften the brickwork ☺️

[@PeterEntwistle]

Wow, what a stunning place! So much potential for the future too. Some bananas would look amazing in there and they might even be able to get them to produce fruit, although they would need a lot of water. Thank you for sharing it with us George.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It certainly is Peter and thanks for watching! I'm with you on the bananas although it would have to be the smaller varieties (maybe tropical and fruiting sorts like Dwarf Cavendish) as basjoo and sikkimensis would be hitting the roof in no time. You're completely right about the water requirement though, especially given that the beds are raised up and surrounded by brickwork. As much as I'd be tempted to have a completely lush and genuinely tropical area in the front of the swimming pool and around the citrus and Butia palm, in some ways it might clash a bit with the more Mediterranean planting. Maybe Australasian and South African plants would be an interesting fit with similar growing conditions? Whatever they go for, I'm sure it'll look beautiful with this setup.

[@PeterEntwistle]

​@@GeorgesJungleGarden Yeah I agree, Dwarf Cavendish would be a great option and pretty readily available. Other dwarf edible varieties I have grown that would do well there (although quite hard to source) would be Dwarf Orinoco, Rajapuri and Dwarf Namwah.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one Peter, thanks for the suggestions! That would be full on capturing the spirit of the Victorian style glasshouses, growing the unusual fruit from all round the world in a structure with style and elegance...

[@denisesorchidparadise1411]

I know they don't want to fill the pond where the Fountain stands but a few fish is all you would need, I think it filled with water would help with Humidity in the Atrium and they could plant Tropical water plants and blooming Lotus in the pond, blooming water lilies could really make it a magical area there!

[@davidmackie7473]

Wow, what a place. I like some others would change the grey slate gravel for something a bit lighter think it would set of the planting better. As for that border near the swimming pool doors, definitely some form of Ensete Banana, maybe a Ginger or even a Brugmansia..

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It is indeed and there's some solid ideas there. Whilst my main planting thoughts would be exotic / Mediterranean, there's something about the border near the swimming pool that would suit a lush tropical section visually. With Brugmansia and Gingers, the scent would be incredible!

[@phil3332]

Bird of paradise plants

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Great shout, they'd look right at home in there amongst the palms wouldn't they!

[@wiebestuive824]

The hard landscaping gives me an Arabic vibe. The plants that are already there wouldn't be out of place in a desert oasis. The Jardin Majorelle in Marrakesh could be an inspiration,

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That's an interesting insight and I see it too! It certainly fits that vibe more than a purely tropical one and I'm not completely against the sparse planting (I just wouldn't be able to resist planting a few more beauties!). It would only take a few patterned tiles, floor coverings or lights etc to really amplify the theme.

[@jimbailey3705]

Looks amazing! And I can see what a massive amount of work it would have been, and if you have a whole house to renovate, I think putting in irrigation and gravel to stop weeds is a great choice. It can then be filled as you go along until it's all plants, but you have to be practical. I think some bromeliads might be a good choice? I'm not sure which varieties are best though. I also wonder if orchids could do well in some of the shadier areas in there. Because they are looking for low maintenance and colour, maybe colourful leaves, such as a bright pink cordyline fruticosa could work. I also personally think that even some petunias can look good amongst palms. Just choose something like a surfinia that don't need deadheading. But there are a lot of stunning pelargoniums too and they already have one of those (but those need deadheading!). I think you can tell that I'm not fussy about it needing to be particularly rare... I just like the effects... I think lemonball stonecrop sedum could provide a nice contrast to some bright pink flowers or foliage. This looks fantastic, it's an absolute dream to have a place like that, but I can see it's also a ridiculous amount of work! WOW!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It certainly does look impressive Jim and you're right on the money with your observations and ideas. I don't think the new owners put the gravel in, more tidied it up after irrigating but I'd certainly want to have some kind of gravel or mulch too (perhaps even sand) rather than leaving it as open soil. I think they might be a bit wary about introducing too many plants with higher water / humidity requirements but your suggestion of Cordyline fruticosa is one I hadn't considered. Low maintenance and as vibrant and zingy as most flowers, a few of those or similar would definitely break up the formality. I'd go with a lot of lower level planting like the sedums too and the point you make about the petunias etc. is a good one. Sometimes a lot of plants people can underestimate the impact a lot of repeated but basic colour and really give a place and here, some bright splashes would certainly look great! A lot of work ahead but with the right plants, the ongoing maintenance doesn't have to be time consuming for most of the plants at all and I think they've done so well getting it to this stage over this baking summer!

[@heronaquatics4661]

Go for a tropical water lily pond, with hardy temperate fish like danios or variatus platties for colour. Raise the water feature so that it drops into the pond.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That would be beautiful wouldn't it! The options are endless...

[@irismoles9369]

What a great place tfs

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It is indeed Iris, I'm pleased you enjoyed seeing it.

[@johnwilson4899]

Simply fantastic

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It certainly is John, so many possibilities!

[@johnwilson4899]

I would even love to look round the house.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It's quirky but certainly interesting house from what I've seen, once they've modernised and simplified a few areas I'm sure it will be equally stunning! The pool is very classy indeed, lucky people!

[@johnwilson4899]

I would like to have seen the atrium when they first moved in. To see how run down it was.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I only saw one pic of the pond unfortunately John, I think that was the main mess. It wasn't so much completely run down but a lot of the palms looked rough and there were weeds and sapling ash trees coming up through the slates.

[@staffordshireShane]

wow what a place ,id be having lizards running about in there 😊 it really is a beautiful building .

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It certainly is Shane! I'm sure they'd love basking on the warm terracotta tiles but it would only be a matter of time before they ran inside...

[@unclecool3425]

That’s impressive,absolute dream space,personally I’d have keep the pond and fish but understand if it’s not their thing,make a great tortoise enclosure!

[@unclecool3425]

Kept

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It certainly is, what an opportunity they have! Unfortunately the pond was basically empty when they saw the house - it had been left alone while the house stood empty. If they weren't keen on fish before then having to clean all that up would certainly put you off I imagine. Personally I'd enjoy seeing the fish too but the humidity the pool would give off would probably be less than ideal in winter and unbearable in summer. It would be cool for tortoises, that's a novel idea!

[@gordonissocoollike]

Reminds me of the many Victorian mansion greenhouses and ferneries that fell into neglect due to costs and lack of gardeners after the First World War . Glad the. New owners are people of vision and wish them all the best . I’d get some koi for that pond area , and maybe some butterfly

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I can definitely see that Gordon, that's what I had in mind as I was summing up in the end. With a bit more planting to just take the edge off the formality and bring a bit more colour it would feel like a real paradise. I don't know a lot about butterflies and how they'd do in the temperatures but I think the new owners are wanting to move away from the pond. I didn't go through it in too much detail but you can imagine the state of the pond after it had been left alone for a year, plus the humidity in there would be unreal!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

The new owners are certainly people of vision though and I'm with you, it would be amazing to see a bit more life and colour in the place to take it to the next level!

[@k.424]

Wow, that's a truly awesome space - and so much potential 😍 Personally, I'd probably turn the old pond into a bog garden and have things like Zantedeschia, ligularia/farfugium, lotus, canna & caladiums - I'd imagine that'd also help with humidity. I'd add in some large rocks and the occasional random statue, possibly introduce another colour gravel on top in a ribbon design just to help break up the grey gravel and give more interest and give the eye something to follow, then lots of creeping sedums to soften things up, also dot about cactus, agave & mangave (faster growing and more interesting colours/shapes). For a bit of extra colour, there is stuff like pink cordylines: pink passion/charlie boy or the red non-trunk forming festival burgundy and I guess they could try some colourful coleus for areas with more shelter from direct light & irrigation as they're not drought tolerant, also not sure how coleus would hold up in the summer heat in there. If they wanted to add more edibles - perhaps a self fertile kiwi vine? They have lovely soft fussy leaves. In that seating area I'd be tempted to try some lavender & maybe rosemary and sage, then replacing the palms that need to go with large specimen olives, just as they can have such interesting trunks and it would give a more Mediterranean feel, maybe also a protea somewhere as they have such beautiful flowers. By the indoor pool - so the irrigation would need to be set to give more water... but, gardenia & daphne for ALOT of scent, alstroemeria for long lasting colour, I'd also be quite tempted to add agapanthus. 😁

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Wow, some fantastic ideas there, thanks! I hadn't even thought about a bog garden but I'm completely with you on some of your ideas. Larger rocks and statues would definitely help to add interest to the gravel and cacti, mangave and sedums would certainly be on my list. Somebody else suggested bright cordylines, some vivid pink would definitely liven things up! I think for a lot of it, I'd lean into the arid / Mediterranean look, some specimen olives would look right at home and lavender was actually one of the suggestions we spoke about on my first visit. Agapanthus and Protea would certainly give the place some real exotic colour but not have high water requirements. So many possibilities but you've definitely offered some great ideas for thought, I'm sure they will be appreciated!

[@k.424]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden just as another low maintence suggestion - prehaps some euphorbia? ...also, they could add some Nerine, Amarine and or Amaryllis belladonna along with the agapathus, just to give those areas an extra flowering period with a similar shaped flowers.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Euphorbia are an interesting suggestion, I guess a lot of the smaller varieties would compliment the existing plants well, some of the larger varieties would soon get big in there! Lovely flower suggestions too, in an indoor paradise like this it can be too easy to focus on what you can grow all year round and not make room for seasonal interest. The flowers would last longer in here too, away from the wind and rain.

[@k.424]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden ah yes, that's worth taking into consideration with euphorbia - if it were my space - it would end up planted so densely 😂😂 For anything they want to restrict from getting too big or taking over, plant it in a decent sized pot - and sink that in, actually I'd really recommend that for the agapanthus, their roots like being a little restricted, but also the roots can be quite thuggish and will spread out and try to fill whatever space they are given, so may start encroaching on other plants.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes, me too, although my own garden journey is helping me become (slightly) more restrained over time, plants grow so quickly! Good tip on the agapanthus, whether or not they like to be restricted I don't know but it certainly helps them flower better!

[@HaydnMowbray]

Nice to see some of the Dale Chihuly glass. I've seen some stunning displays of his work in Kew and the New York botanical gardens. Huge potential. I would definitely add more citrus for fragrance along with gingers if they'll take the heat

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

There's potential for sure and thanks for the info on the glass! It wouldn't be what I'd personally choose BUT having seen it with the brickwork and general vibe of the place, it's lovely. Great suggestions thanks, I think more citrus would be a good shout too! The existing ones will look so much more vibrant next year with some more watering and feed.

[@marklea2395]

So amazing, thank you for sharing I wouldn’t heat it much above 5oc as with the lower light levels over winter and heat the plants might start to go all reachy. Obviously the citrus might need a bit warmer but if it was left for a year with everything turned off they might be established enough to cope. It’s very exciting for the type of plants you could grow and how amazing it can be. If you got the height the definitely Travellers Palm, Licuala grandis Ruffled Fan Palm but the humidity will have to be increased Of course fill ever bit of free space with tons of succulents, Aeoniums, aloes, Echeveria, crassula and agave. Tree Aloes would be amazing in there, Aloe Polyphylla you could get so much colour in there Endless possibilities 😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks for watching and you're completely right on the endless possibilities! You're right on the light levels bit, perhaps that was one of the reasons why it's presumably only ever been kept frost free and planted with the hardier / subtropical exotics. I'm not sure it's tall enough for a Travellers Palm but tree aloes certainly came to my mind along with Aeoniums, Mangaves and other succulents like you say. So much potential...

[@pipinleshrew]

Incredible, architecturally needs updating I’d paint the bricks black or lime wash them, truly a vision which needs preserving,

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It definitely is! I'm torn on the bricks but I'm pleased it's gone to owners who appreciate the space and want to see it evolve, it's great to see.

[@irossYVR]

So great George - very inspiring! Is the space heated by an auxiliary source in the winter or is just kept above zero from the ambient temp?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Iain, it's an incredible space! There's two large radiators in the pool corner fed by an additional boiler, not the most efficient or well distributed heat source but they'll help to keep the edge off I'm sure. On sunny days the solar gain will certainly bring the temperature way up though as you can imagine!

[@irossYVR]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden We are about to build a similar space here on the west coast of Canada. so its really great you shared this! thank you (love your videos!)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much Iain and wow, what a project, I'm envious! If I was building one now, I'd probably get in touch with a heating / HVAC engineer or designer and potentially look at a more efficient system of heating - underfloor heating would no doubt distribute the heat better, be lovely to walk on in winter and a visual improvement too. With your colder winters though, I guess the heating may be more of a factor than here, especially if you're wanting to grow more tender plants.

[@maartendegroote5727]

I can see potential, but I'd definitely get rid of all the grey gravel

[@derekscheshirepalmgardenuk]

Totally agree about the grey gravel and another irritation is all the natural coloured brick work....Looks very municipal. Great potential and I'm envious of the scope.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That's a good point Martin and personally I'd also be inclined to remove the gravel and have a lot more low level planting (cacti, mangaves, succulents, alpines etc) but when the property doesn't belong to gardeners (well they don't class themselves as gardeners... yet!), you do have to compromise for practicality and maintenance. Potentially some carefully chosen contrast plants and larger rocks would help?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I'm definitely envious too Derek! Whilst the grey stone wouldn't be my choice, I personally like the brickwork and terracotta - I'd just have a lot more green and climbing / trailing plants to balance it out.

[@elainemcevoy1147]

We recommend reading Subtropical and Dry Climate plants by Martyn Rix for ideas. Take a trip to visit Tresco Abbey garden. Perhaps each bed could represent a zone/ area/ have a theme for each one. Trailing plants also to soften the bricks, statues and mosaics to add interest and colour. Definitely restore the pond. An amazing atrium what an opportunity!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much for the amazing ideas Elaine plus that book recommendation! Any steps towards a Tresco Abbey look would certainly not be a bad thing, it's an amazing place I'd love to visit one day! We're definitely on the same page that it needs a it of softening and additions to really break up the gravel. It's definitely an incredible and enviable opportunity!

[@RangerSi]

Bougainvillea would be an excellent addition and maybe a tender jasmine.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Great choices Simon, they were two of the climbers that came to my mind along with some of the more unusual passionflowers - loads of colour and scent! They'd definitely soften the brickwork too.

[@Unpotted]

Thanks for the amazing tour of such a well-designed garden! For succulent and/or cactus design, I suggest watching Laura Eubanks on her KZbin channel. Seasonal blooms and low irrigation needs are a plus. Ally plants include Staghorn Ferns, Bromeliads, Tillandsia, and Jungle Cactus for a lush look around the perimeter. I wish them luck on their garden design journey. 😺✌️

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Christian, great to hear you enjoyed it and I'm sure they'll appreciate your message! Thanks for the heads up about Laura Eubanks, there's definitely a lot of exotic succulents / cacti that could really compliment the existing planting and structure whilst still being low maintenance. I hadn't thought of jungle cacti for round the edge, the colours and forms would definitely tie in nicely, perhaps in some formal hanging baskets.

[@missdimples1982]

Oh wow, I think I would of preferred a pond type feature though, but that's just me

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Wow indeed! I get you, a pond would certainly make it feel like Kew or somewhere! Having been to the atrium there when the outdoor temp was in the mid 20s previously though, with a pond as well the heat and humidity would be crazy 🥵

[@henrywaterhouse6291]

If it were me I'd change the blue slate, it creates stagnant soil, especially for plants, less so if dry and light soil. A golden corn 10mm gravel would be good in the arid areas and bark chippings or even for lush areas a blended compost. They would sit better with the deep red brickwork, compliment it better. I think I remember someone at a garden centre telling me about this place years ago, somewhere slightly north and west of myself.... If I'm right. I would take the eriospatha out whilst still youngish. Plant sabals, kentia, caterinensis, multi stem palms that will be good to maturity in there. Most of the plants in there would be ok/ish outside, seems a bit of a waste. Datura for scent and foliage, bougainvillea, grass trees, macrozamia, golden barrel cactus, agave, crassula, new Zealand Christmas trees, hardy bromiliads. More tender passion flowers, protea, leucadendron, hardier philodendrons. Wollemi outside, would do better. The old pond made back into a pond would look fantastic with a water fall feature with cyathea around it. Fish would look great, done right, very low maintenance. Even European tree frogs. It would be great to plant and create that space. To save on heating or even no heat, a thermal blanket could be used on a low gear motor to retain heat at night. I'm planning a simular type of thing in the future. Everything is personal choice, just a few suggestions, it's an awesome space, too many ideas to list!! Very tidy brickwork!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you Henry for such an insightful comment, great to have your ideas. It's actually south of you but still your side of the water. As for the brickwork, it's definitely tidy - the previous owner was very particular and apparently insisted on very high standards, it shows. Top idea on the gravel, I'd do the same if it was my place. It would take some effort to get the slate out but like you say a golden corn 10mm and then bark / compost would be much better, both aesthetically, practically and for the plants. The planting is certainly unusual, like you say, some like the Butia would be best outside now. I like a lot of your suggestions, not too far out that they'd require a lot of additional care but certainly taking advantage of the opportunity and able to develop better long term. The Cyatheas would certainly give a real wow factor, I hadn't considered those. They could also be planted small too, they'd soon size up in there. Thanks for your ideas and I'll make sure I mention them to the owners. Sorry I haven't had chance to see you recently but will definitely make a point of catching up in the near future and hear your ideas for your indoor paradise development!

[@henrywaterhouse6291]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden your welcome, it's a great space. I've always wanted big big golden barrel cactus, they look great. Seem to be tolerant of humidity, they planted some outside at the minac theatre in Cornwall. I've been looking at like a small scale Eden project, mixed with Chinese style greenhouse. No additional heating. Ideally need the sequoias to get another 30 foot, but will have to wait. Most things can be done /built, it's coming up with the ideas to do it on a budget!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Some of the areas of planting with the golden barrel cacti at the Huntington Desert Garden I've seen vids of are certainly striking and I'm sure they'd do very well in your project! Whatever your plans, the Sequoias will certainly get another 30 foot higher in time, you did the right thing by getting them in the ground when you did. You're completely right on the budget, compromise is dirty word but I'm sure your ingenuity and hard work will make the greenhouse happen!

[@NurtureYourJoy]

I think outside the pool doors, I would grow a Mediterranean style area with some vines 🍇 up over the brickwork. I would add some large decorative pots and fruit trees like lemon and olive with flowering plants too 🌺 Oleander maybe 🤔 and aloes, particularly the spiral aloe. 🪴🍋🫒🍸💚

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Lovely ideas thanks Dawn, I'd definitely agree that a bit more mediterranean / arid planting would take this place to the next level. Aloes in particular would certainly add some unusual structure!

[@lindadevuyst9311]

Clivias would look lovely so would hoyas, anthuriums

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

They certainly would Linda, thanks for the suggestions!

[@arfajob3312]

Is the unidentified palm a Brahea edulis perhaps?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

You may well be right with that, thanks!

[@chrisreynolds7412]

George it's crying out for a dinosaur or three !

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha you know me too well! Even a 50% life size Brachiosaurus drinking from the lake outside would soon give the place an entirely different vibe haha!

[@plantrevelations]

Brahea amata, Agaves, Aloes, lantana, strelitzia also Passifloras coccinea, Bougainvillea and Mandevillas grown as climbers up the pillars would look great in there as well. Phoenix roebelenii is miniature and might be a better alternative, Brahea very slow indeed so should be fine for many years. Lots of potential amazing space with some great specimens to start off with.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Absolutely fantastic suggestions, thanks. Brahea armata would be my number one additional palm choice too. Like you say, slow growing and suited to the conditions plus those silver blue leaves would look very classy indeed. I'd also go for some tree aloes and the climbers you mentioned, they'd definitely help expand on the exotic vibe! I hadn't considered Phoenix roebelenii, they're definitely graceful and like you say, are a lot smaller. For me it would be about continuing the houseplant / exotic look with some more unusual planting but compromising the maintenance side of things. The existing specimens will certainly help show any further planting off!

[@Redeleiser]

Yes, I think it needs some improvement. I don’t like the stones they used or maybe it is the amount! Some soil would loosen up these big spaces of sterile stone gravel. Some ferns would look nice too. To many bricks too. Let some ficus pumila cover it.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I understand where you're coming from and I probably didn't do enough to explain that this is far from the 'finished' space. It's very much where things are currently at following a lot of tidying, caring for what is already there and really understanding what they're dealing with. But yes, I agree, the initial design, as I hope I put across, would have been a bit too sparse and formal for my taste. I do think though, that with the right complimentary and low maintenance planting, the formality could be softened, the impact of the gravel reduced and the whole place could be incredibly beautiful.

[@W3c16B]

Nerium Oleander, + approx 10.000 other plants... If I bought the place, no grey gravels, no red tiles, and as earlier mentioned a tons of Mediterranean plants, Bougainvillea citrus.... just to mention a very few..

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Great thoughts and I'd definitely lean into the Mediterranean style too. There's so many plants that will thrive in hot, dry summers and cope with frost free, dry winters that it would almost be an uphill battle trying anything too tropical unless that was your sole mission. Personally I'd replace the slate covering with a more natural finer gravel but I'd leave the red tiles. I think along with the brickwork they would really give a strong formal structure that would show off some more naturalistic and colourful planting.

[@RJBHurst]

I’d be experimenting with some of the more common houseplants that won’t be a disaster if they don’t make it. I’ve seen loads of big, gnarly, twisted dracaena growing in freezing cold porches over the years, and they’d compliment the yuccas. Snake plants could look great - not a fan of cold below about 10c (although they’re so cheap, you could experiment in warmer/sheltered spots - their colours get quite washed out in direct sun) Lots of reports of Monstera being surprisingly hardy, too, especially when on the dry side over winter (I’m trialling one in my greenhouse and the leaves are absolutely enormous thanks to the high light levels). I’ve seen them in Portugal growing as an understory plant (and taking the occasional dry frosts) under large trees, so we’ll worth a trial, and could tolerate less humidity than other tropicals. If they defoliate in a frost they come back rapidly in heat, but UK summers aren’t (without an atrium at least!) hot or long enough for them to recover sufficiently, so they tend to go into steady decline without some help: Or so I’ve read. Pothos are so cheap that you could trial it in different spaces - especially anywhere you expect to stay a little warmer, and when they get growing and the leaves start to fenestrate, they are amazing plants. If they don’t make it, you’ve lost a fiver - heck, I’m sure you could get some cuttings from a friend! Kentia and/or parlour palms might do well and Bird of paradise, as you already mentioned, should both be ok at lower temps, when dry. I’d look at getting some other interesting cycads, I think I might have spotted a couple beyond the revolutas, but there are lots out there, and not crazy expensive in small sizes. Aeoniums are surely a must have, especially being kept frost free, and could be amazing candidates for the pool-border - imagine when they start to flower en masse… 😍 cyclops is a particular favourite and is quite huge. Check out some of the @surreal_succulents’ show gardens on IG for inspiration. Alocasia could work - I saw some where my brother lives in Rome and they see plenty of (again, dry) frosts in winter, but bounce back in spring - you could grow in a large pot sat in the pond for the extra moisture. I’d be really tempted to get some climbers in as well, some tropicals would be nice, but even plain old bougainvillea would be fun, and jasmine would be incredible for scent. Obviously your monsteras would climb in there too… I’d also look to get some trailing plants - perhaps some succulents - lampranthus, for example, that could soften the edges a bit. Cacti, as you say, would be great - I’d go round the garden centre, or even supermarket and buy a couple of trays of ‘mixed cacti’ and go to town. You can always remove/thin out later, and things will size up pretty fast in those conditions. Opuntia rapidly get to tree-like proportions in similar conditions, so don’t overdo it with those! Key, in my opinion, would be to invest in some interesting hard landscaping, and create some new levels, as the monotone slate will be a bit stale otherwise. Perfect conditions for some more interesting yuccas as well - plus, if/when they get too big in the future, they can be cut back hard, and they’ll likely branch. Faxoniana, felifera, for example, would be amazing. For scent, what about brugmansia? They could probably take the chill, and would smell incredible for months on end. They’d also get to a good size, so you could be walking underneath the trumpets in a matter of months. Bananas, as you mentioned, are a great shout - I’d be tempted to try some more interesting things from seed (ensete glaucum and musa velutina, for example - the latter of which might even give them edible bananas!). Moisture (and associated excess humidity) might be an issue, if they want them to grow strongly but they could always keep them to one well-watered/fed bed with other similar plants. Last thing I’d do would be paint the lower brickwork - the terracotta floors are nice, and the red brick walls are inoffensive, but I think painting the lower/border walls a bright Mediterranean white, or even a dark colour like ‘Railings’ could look incredible. It’s an amazing space - a few more yuccas than I’d choose, but they’re good fillers for the time being. I’d be tempted to ‘coppice’ some to the ground - they’ll soon send up new shoots, and you’d create a lot of understory space around the giant trunks (but perhaps best to wait until they need the extra space - that’s already a lot of room to fill!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Rob and thank you for your incredible insights and suggestions, there's some great ideas in there and I'll make sure I pass them on! Brugmansia would definitely be a great choice for scent, they'd fill the place and I'm completely with you on the larger rocks and other hard landscaping to break up the slate covering (if not replacing it altogether). Regarding the planting, the tropical border would certainly be interesting but I'm more leaning towards going fully desert style / Mediterranean now. Keeping the humidity low and growing plants that will not only tolerate the high head and dry conditions but actively enjoy them and require less water. You're completely right on the unusual yuccas too, I'd also put in some more like linearis too. Aeoniums would look stunning and would absolutely love it in there along with the cacti and mangaves, tree aloes etc. The existing Yuccas could definitely be coppiced to keep some of the trunk but give room for new vigour too, you're right.So many possibilities and it would look even more phenomenal with your suggestions, thanks again!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Kentia palms aren't something I initially thought of but would be the right mature size and level of cold tolerance to suit this place down to the ground. I think they'd look beautiful en masse, perhaps in front of the pillars down the formal pool side, with lower level plants in between them. So many options and a lot of excitement to be had carrying out whatever direction they decide to go with.

[@RJBHurst]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden totally agree with the tropicals, there’s plenty else to grow, I thought you mentioned they had plans for bananas, so just working on the theme! :) Tree aloes would be fab - good thinking. Euphorbia ‘cacti’ too, they’d get huge faster than a lot of other things, and a reasonable sized plant isn’t that pricey, I think IKEA do ones that are already branching for £40 odd? Pony tail palms, too, come to think of it. Thinking more about aeoniums, they’d be a good option from right now if they buy them as end of season bargains they can chop them into load of plants and stick them straight in the soil, they should grow well over winter in there and be established by spring.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I know, I think I might have suggested them originally in fairness as a bit more leafiness, the place wold definitely be brought up with some more plant volume. Oooh, those Euphorbia 'cacti' would be a great shout. Very suitable for the conditions and they'd certainly add that botanic garden feel. Nice ideas, thanks. Good shout on the Aeoniums but I don't think they're wanting to rush into anything planting wise. There may still be more structural works or plant removals and I think they're doing everything they can to bring it all back to full health, see what bounces back and also what ideas come to mind over time before rushing in. As wise as that is, I'm not sure I'd be able to be that restrained!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I'd definitely be getting trays of succulents and cuttings lined up ready to go in those front bay windows, treating them as a propagation factory over winter (then no doubt wondering why there's so many plants inside in 5 years time!).

[@izabelaking684]

Strelizia reginae + Nicolai - many brugmansia would be ace too!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Great shouts thanks, they'd definitely add some more tropical vibe, colour and the scent would be pretty incredible too!

[@TheJake76]

9:28 crotons would look great in that area.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That’s a great idea, I’d struggle deciding what I’d want there, there’s so many unusual and cool plant options!

[@wesleyhackney]

Not sure where to begin. It certainly a stunning place. First I would get rid of the gray gravel I think it clashes with the red and does not highlight the yuccas. I instead would use a white stone and maybe a small pea gravel vs the larger gravel stone. Next thinking more succulents since it is dry plus a few more varieties of yuccas and perhaps agaves. That area where there used to be a pond and now is just a smaller water feature I’d go back to a larger pond in the center you could walk all the way around and put fish in the pond and then look at arid style plant to plant on the perimeter to view as you walk around maybe even a few more small yuccas. Would love to see it in person but will just enjoy seeing it as I did with this video on my 75” screen at home. Hope you can go back in a couple of years and show an update on what they did

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much Wesley and I'm pleased you enjoyed seeing this amazing place! Obviously it's their home to develop but I've said I'll happily give suggestions from my point of view and those given in these comments, your ideas are appreciated! I'd definitely use a different and finer grade gravel myself too and I'm with you on the succulents - Agaves, Mangaves, Tree Aloes, Cacti, they'd all look stunning. I'd love to do a follow up video, fingers crossed!

[@wesleyhackney]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden yes about the new plants to go with. I also wondered about relocating some of the palms just outside. Might keep the sagos cyads as they kind of fit with the style. Will look forward to any updates should be fun and interesting to see. By the way 2 weeks ago I had a friend who bought a new house and in back yard under some oak trees were 3 very mature white bird of paradise 10-15 ft tall they wanted to have removed I got them out into 30 gal containers and so far seem to be surviving will replant in spring if they survive the mild winters here in Pensacola Fl

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

You're not the only person to mention about relocating some of the palms, the small Chamerops near the seating area and Butia would definitely be my candidates for that. Interesting to know about the bird of paradise plants, I guess you're a step or two more mild than us so I hope they do well for you!

[@wesleyhackney]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden where I exactly live is called Navarre Fl which is on the Gulf of Mexico my house is 1/2 mile from water my growing zone is 9A. I’m in what’s known as panhandle of Florida. Usually don’t have danger of frost until after Thanksgiving in December and last day with chance of frost is March 1st

[@GO-PIES-r6k]

Can you please categorise your garden visits. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, I try to have them all on one playlist separate from other vids and didn’t want to confuse matters further by having too many playlists but how would you like to see them separated? Thanks for the suggestion!

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

Btw I agree with you re filifera id

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one, thanks. I genuinely wasn't quite sure, it's an unusual trunk!

[@Redeleiser]

How can people know about suffering plants and not care about them???? They are living creatures!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Unfortunately the smaller / more water demanding plants suffered when the property was left empty. Due to the events of 2020, the house took a long time to sell and was on the market a long time before the new owners saw it. As you can see the struggling ones are being given every chance to hopefully bounce back and one of the new owners' priorities was to get the irrigation replaced and ventilation fixed to give them some TLC.

[@karlsorchidparty2395]

Scent? Brugmansia arborea! Jasminum sambac.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Cracking ideas thanks, they'd fill the space with scent and colour wouldn't they!

[@Redeleiser]

It looks nice, but a little to sterile.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I completely understand you there, I'd agree. The space presented in this video is definitely stripped back, tidied up and I'm sure with some more personality and new growth it'll be vibrant and full of life, a lovely space to be.

[@thevintageenglishman]

First

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha you win old chap!

[@Redeleiser]

They probably let the fish die too!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I didn't want to dwell too much on the fate of the fish, but when the new owners saw the property the pond was empty and, well, you can imagine the devastation left. It is sad that they weren't properly cared for between owners but I don't know the full situation and it was a very difficult time. Clearing the mess up and moving forward has been a big task for them over the last few months and I think it's great that it's being given a new lease of life.

[@tedscott1478]

I would recommend crinum Asiaticum purpureum. It's a tough strappy leafed plant with, (what I think is), a tropical / exotic vibe.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Good suggestion Ted and one I hadn't come across before, thanks!

[@tedscott1478]

I don't understand the idea of a sunken seating area. Why not build it high so that you can see more plants? I understand the idea if it's outdoors and can provide shelter from the wind, but it makes no sense to me if it's inside...🥴🤯

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Ted, if you're talking about the area round the new fountain, I think those ideas are a reaction to the difficulty of filling it in rather than a firm idea but they're doing the right thing by mulling it over. I get where you're coming from and I suppose I'd want it level if moving away from the pond for definite, maybe building a frame and using compost decking over the top, then underneath could maybe be storage? Easier than filling it all in my hand! That being said, if they're looking to create a more intimate space in the middle of the expansive atrium then I'm sure they could pull it off in a classy way.

[@lisa7525]

Love it David ❤

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

He’s done a great job for sure 😃