Seashell craft a fun way to seat your party guests

Dear Sandi: I was at your store last week, and the first thing I saw, near your front door, was how tropical it looks. I almost thought I was in Hawaii or someplace other than Salem. Can you give me a few pointers on how you have achieved this look?
—Tamara K., Salem

Hi Tamara: I’m glad you like that area, it is also one of my favorite spots on the grounds here.

The base of that planting, and the thing that really sets the tropical mood, is the banana tree. It has been growing in that spot for three years now, and though it dies down a bit in winter, it comes back with a vengeance in the spring. The banana tree probably is the only truly tropical plant. Everything else just has the look that works for this type of effect.

Palms are very tropical looking, and the one that I have had the most luck with is the windmill palm, available at most local nurseries. I love the Mexican Palm, but it does not seem to be as hardy, and to me, it actually has a more desert look to it.

Large grasses also are part of the backbone of this area, with zebra grass playing the largest role. Zebra grass, once established, really takes off, so you want to be sure you have plenty of room for it, though you can divide it in the fall to keep it under control.

Short, clumping grasses, especially the lighter-colored ones, are scattered throughout the planting, forming a strong ground base for the taller plants and filling in and melding with one another to create that jungle effect I love. Any of the fluffier ferns that are winter hardy here will also add to the illusion.

Whether you're looking for handmade paper, furniture, fabric or accessories, you will find it at loose ends. If it is unusual, organic and fabulous, then loose ends is the place. Showroom hours are 8 am to 5 pm weekdays and the first Saturday of each month 10 am - 3pm at 2065 Madrona Ave. SE, Salem, or visit us online at www.looseends.com Questions? Give us a call at (503) 390-2348.

Various flax also add to the tropical look. Some of these are supposed to be somewhat tender, but so far, I have had great luck with them. There come in a number of colors: pinks, deep burgundy and stripes, making beautiful contrasts to the greens of the other plants.

Any type of large-leafed plant seems to fit in well such as the huge dinosaur plant with the monstrous leaves. I have planted one of them in this area, but it is behind the banana tree, and my hope is that as the banana gets taller and all the lower leaves come off, the dinosaur plant will peek around from behind.

Japanese aralia is another wonderful, large-leafed plant that looks very tropical, but it is winter hardy. It has big, glossy, dark-green leaves and makes a wonderful contrast to the lighter greens of the banana and the grasses. It also is very versatile as to size and shape. The one on the grounds here is kept at a fairly low height (about

3 feet) and has a bit of a bush appearance. However, I have two of these at home that are many years old, and before we bought our house, they were growing on the back hillside and fighting the laurel for light. Consequently, they soar about 10 feet into the air with wonderfully crooked trunks.

With the foliage plants as the structure, shasta, gloriosa daisies and coneflowers are scattered about throughout the taller grasses.

Sandi Reinke is an author, frequent television guest and lead designer for loose ends (www.loosends.com), a Salem-based interior décor, garden, and casual lifestyle company. To ask Reinke a decorating question, e-mail info@looseends.com or mail her at the showroom address, 2065 Madrona Ave. SE, Salem, OR 97302. Phone: 503-390-2348.

A variety of different hibiscus add their large leaves to the composition, and when they bloom with those large, dinner-plate-sized flowers, they really add to the mix. Canna lilies are another favorite for providing large, impressive and brilliant blooms, and their height and their beautifully colored foliage add more interest.

Rose Mallow also is a hibiscus, but it has a much bushier growth habit. Although this particular plant works well in a cottage garden, when tucked into a tropical grouping, its pink blooms add a colorful splash.

Hostas, wild fuchsia and other plants that I have forgotten the names of mingle in this area, too. There even are a couple of hydrangeas tucked back into the tall grasses. I think it is the profusion and close intermingling that creates the effect, more than the individual choices.

As you can no doubt tell from the above ramblings, I am, in no way, a purist or even an especially organized gardener. I always have considered myself more of an opportunist gardener. I go to the nursery, with nothing particular in mind, and, not unlike a kid in a toy store, wander around to see what catches my fancy. I almost always come home with far more than I intended, then I have to figure out what and where to put them. August 19, 2005