A STOURPORT couple have let their horticultural imaginations run wild after growing their own tropical paradise in their back garden.

After moving into their home on Oakhampton Road from Kidderminster around three years ago, David and Sandra Traynor, both aged 56, have dedicated their lives to designing their dream garden.

The Traynor’s tropical hideaway is home to nearly 80 palm trees, with over 20 species from around the globe and a large pond filled with Koi fish, complete with a waterfall.

The two have so far invested over £10,000 on their project.

David, who is a designer and photographer, wanted the garden to be “totally immersive,” and to replicate an environment found on a holiday abroad.

He said: “Our idea was to try and make this garden as immersive as possible and give people an experience that would show them that these things getting more popular now are not as difficult as people might think, with a little bit of thought.

“I’ve always been interest in wildlife and natural history, but we’ve never had a vehicle to express that and go wild with our imagination.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

“We bought this house specifically because it had a very long single lawn that we could then use as a space to grow all of the sorts of things that we’ve only ever dreamed of.

“For us, it’s about putting things into a garden that you would only normally ever see on holiday.

“It’s a holiday every year because we can see these things growing and thriving every day.

The gardening challenge for the two was about looking and where the plants came from and then trying to replicate what they need to grow. The two have incorporated layering techniques to allow their palms and plants to thrive.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Sandra, who works as a credit controller, said jokingly: “Sometimes I think we are out of control and have lost the plot. I could have just made a hanging basket like a normal person.”

The couple are involved in the National Garden Scheme, inviting guests to explore their tropical patch.

David added: “The more people we have coming to see it here, the more enthusiastic we get. It’s about giving people a bit more than a few petunias and a bit of lawn."