Influences from Abroad
Exotic Garden
Ever since the gardening fraternity decided that 'hot' borders were in, they've been looking for some way to take the look further. Inevitably, almost, the idea of bringing the jungle to your suburban back garden has arrived. Now our garden centres and gardening websites are filled with fascinating examples of plants that until recently were nestling happily in a far more tropical climate than our own.
Club Tropicana
There have always been parts of the UK that were able to grow 'tropical' plants, of course. Think of the swaying palms on the front at Torquay or the tropical plants thriving in collectors' gardens in Cornwall and on the west coast of Scotland, warmed by the Gulf Stream. But it's fair to say that the tough British climate of damp and frosts does not make it the ideal habitat for many exotic plants.
But if you fancy a garden more akin to Kenya than Kensington and are prepared to protect one or two of your more tender plants over the winter then it is possible to create a jungle in John O'Groats.
Getting Inspiration
To see a perfect example of an exotic garden (main image), go to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, near St. Austell, Cornwall. Visit their website or phone (01726) 845100. They're open all year except Christmas from 10-6pm.
The Royal Horticultural Society also have an exotic garden in Great Torrington in north Devon. For more information phone (01805) 624067.
You can pay a lot more for palm trees - the jelly palm, for example, has beautiful blue grey leaves and comes from Brazil. A plant 70 cm (27 in) high will cost £24.95, and if you want a mature specimen measuring 2.5 metres (2.7 yds) you'll have to pay £850! It is very hardy though and will withstand remarkably low temperatures and heavy rainfall. You can visit The Palm Centre personally or telephone: (020) 8255 6191.
If you're looking for a low growing variety then try the Ruscus leaved bamboo (£8.95 for a medium-sized plant).
There have always been parts of the UK that were able to grow 'tropical' plants, of course. Think of the swaying palms on the front at Torquay or the tropical plants thriving in collectors' gardens in Cornwall and on the west coast of Scotland, warmed by the Gulf Stream. But it's fair to say that the tough British climate of damp and frosts does not make it the ideal habitat for many exotic plants.
But if you fancy a garden more akin to Kenya than Kensington and are prepared to protect one or two of your more tender plants over the winter then it is possible to create a jungle in John O'Groats.
Getting Inspiration
To see a perfect example of an exotic garden (main image), go to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, near St. Austell, Cornwall. Visit their website or phone (01726) 845100. They're open all year except Christmas from 10-6pm.
The Royal Horticultural Society also have an exotic garden in Great Torrington in north Devon. For more information phone (01805) 624067.
Tropical Treats
The Palm Centre in Ham, Surrey, specialises in palms, tree ferns and bamboo - in fact everything you might want to create your tropical paradise. A great plant to start your collection is the Miniature Chusan Palm, as illustrated. It costs £7.50 for a one-year-old plant.You can pay a lot more for palm trees - the jelly palm, for example, has beautiful blue grey leaves and comes from Brazil. A plant 70 cm (27 in) high will cost £24.95, and if you want a mature specimen measuring 2.5 metres (2.7 yds) you'll have to pay £850! It is very hardy though and will withstand remarkably low temperatures and heavy rainfall. You can visit The Palm Centre personally or telephone: (020) 8255 6191.
Feeling Fruity?
Why not tantalise your taste buds while you're at it? Try planting this Japanese Hardy Banana. It's relatively hardy and can grow up to 4.5 metres (15 feet), but will need winter protection to achieve this height. Prices range from £14.95 for a plant 25 cm (10 in) high to £89 for one measuring 2 metres (2 yds). An alternative is Hooker's hardy banana (£14.95 for a plant 60 cm (24 in) high and £49.95 for 120 cm (47 in). Both available from The Palm Centre. Tel: (020) 8255 6191.
Me old bamboo
No exotic garden would be complete without bamboo. Plant a couple of varieties to create interest. This all gold bamboo can get huge - 8-10 m (8-10 yds) high if you let it. The canes change colour with the seasons and contrast beautifully with the dark green leaves. Price: £21.95 for a plant 30-60 cm (12-24 in), up to £215 for one measuring 4 metres (4.4 yds).If you're looking for a low growing variety then try the Ruscus leaved bamboo (£8.95 for a medium-sized plant).
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