The easy way to feel like you are on holiday

WHILE many of us may be staycationing this year, there are ways to create a holiday haven in our gardens using plants and decor that mimic a host of exotic destinations.

RHS Garden Wisley’s exotic garden, for example, houses not only tropical-looking pineapple plants, striking palms and giant banana trees which flourish in summer, but shows what will survive the winter.

Garden manager Emma

Allen, who looks after the exotic garden, says: “When experimenting with tropical plants at home, remember the ‘right plant, right place’ rule. If you have a shady corner, make sure you plant shade tolerant options, and if you have sun trap areas, select plants that will flourish there.”

Allen’s top plants for a tropical sensation...

Trachycarpus fortunei A really hardy palm (down to between -10 C and -15 C), this will give even a Scottish garden an exotic look and feel without the need to worry about whether it will survive through winter. They are rather slow growing, ultimately reaching a height of over 12m after 20-50 years.

Canna Any type of canna will bring large juicy leaves and exotic looking flowers in pink, orange, yellow, white or red. Some have variegated leaves such as Canna ‘Stuttgart’ or ‘Phaison’.

Dahlia Extravagant and flamboyant flowers, plus they flower all summer long. For drama and colour, try ‘Karma Choc’ with dark red velvety flowers, or ‘Edwin’s Sunset’ with beautiful vivid red flowers.

USE DECOR AND ACCESSORIES...