Bananas
Bananas are great for that jungly tropical look in the garden, now becoming more popular, they can be successfully overwintered in the UK with a modicum of care. In summer give lots of water and liquid feed to make optimum growth. Plant in well-drained soil in the sunniest spot you have and enjoy 

Gingers
A very exotic plant for the exotic garden. Hardier than perhaps first thought, but will need some winter protection to survive. This is can be as easy as cutting back top growth and  applying a thick mulch over the base of the plant in autumn before the really hard frosts occur, otherwise lift the rhizomes and store in a cool dry place, but you will need some spring heat to really get them going the following spring. They are happy in full sun or dappled shade and require a humus rich soil, moist but well drained to ward off rotting. Spend some time on them and you will be rewarded well beyond your efforts!

Cannas
Cannas offer exotic large leaved foliage, together with spectacular flower spikes in many different colours. They are a wonderful partner to other tropical plants, either as dot plants or in groups. Their needs are few, although thought not to be hardy, if left to overwinter in a well drained soil such as a raised bed and covered with mulch many seem to survive, even thrive and spread. However if you are worried simply bring into a greenhouse or conservatory to overwinter as rhizomes. Also good in pots.

Palms
Whether you want to achieve that bahamian beach look or a trek in the rain forest, what could be better than a majestic palm, still something quite unusual to see in this country. Many palms are perfectly happy in our climate, so go out and educate those non-believers!. We have extended our range of palms this year to include many of the more unusual for those discerning exoticists among you.

You will notice one thing coming up time and time again - well drained soil and a sunny spot. Most palms come from the tropical, subtropical regions of the world and although they are quite happy in moist conditions, they do not like a good waterlogging every winter as well as a freeze, well apart from Trachycarpus Fortunei that is, it doesn't seem to mind too much! so try to ensure good drainage at least. Some palms can take cold if they originate from high altitudes and some are covered in snow at certain times of the year. The temperatures quoted are just a guide to the hardiness of the palm, it really depends on the type of cold, ie dry cold winds, the amount of rainfall, frosts  and for how long. Whatever palm you choose, there are many, many  valuable internet sites giving information and personal experiences of growing these plants in temperate climates.