Desert to jungle.com

Aroids
Perhaps the most cutting edge group of exotics. These large leaved herbaceous plants may reach 1.5m or more in height with leaves as much as 1m in diameter. They grow from a swollen underground tuber which can be as large as a football. Growth usually begins in May and accelerates as the temperature increases. These plants all thrive on water and feed, growth is pro rata! In the autumn growth will cease and they will begin to go into dormancy. It is important than the tubers are kept dry and frost free over winter, so we advise lifting them if in the ground, or if in a pot then let it dry out completely. We have one of the widest selections of these astonishing plants in the UK .

Bamboos
We grow over 60 different types of bamboo. If you want a screen or something to block out the neighbours then we have just the plants at affordable prices.
However we also grow and propagate some of the most tantalising new introductions from around the world collected by some of our foremost bamboo experts. Particularly exciting are the new species of Borida and Fargesia which have blue or even purple culms. Many make ideal garden plants providing height and grace of form without some of the assertive tendencies of Phyllostachys.

Ferns
A particular favourite of ours. We have a great selection of some of the best ground ferns, all grown in 3L or larger pots. Many are evergreen so provide ground cover and structure in the garden all through the year.

Tree Ferns
Very well known group of plants thanks to the stunningly spectacular Dicksonia antarctica which is now widely planted around the UK . Its hardiness has been proven,
with just a little care in the winter. These plants thrive on water, even in the winter, and more plants die because they have been wrapped up and have dried out, than die from the cold which they were protected from in the first place. We always have a great range at the nursery, from 3L babies up to glorious specimens with 2m trunks with fronds up to 3m long. We hand pick each trunk to assure you of the highest quality plants for the most competitive price. We also have Dicksonia fibrosa and the less hardy
but fast growing slender beauty Dicksonia squarrosa.
We have perhaps the largest number of Cyathea available
in the UK . These are the ultimate of the elite. Some species are as hardy as Dicksonia antarctica and are much faster growing. These are not cheap plants due to the difficulties of exporting them from New Zealand . All of our Cyathea are established in pots with a healthy root system. NEVER buy a bare trunked Cyathea unless you can afford
to lose it!

Canna
Easy to grow, large leaved, spectacular flowers, that is
the glory of the Canna. However the worldwide problem of Canna virus has meant that most of the plants you will find in a garden centre will be heavily infected with mottled leaves and reduced vigour. We are totally committed to keeping our stock clean virus and are rigorous in our hygiene. We only sell plants that we have propagated and grown ourselves and are clean when they leave us. This is reflected in our prices.

Hedychium
A Canna relative, these plants also have great structural qualities with the added bonus of wonderfully scented flowers. Perhaps the most spectacular of all is Hedychium gardenerianum , with larger matt leaves and orange scented spidery flowers for weeks on end. Contrary to
most expectations, most Hedychiums grow better in light shade, but in a warm spot with plenty of feed and moisture. Our range is extensive, we sell the ones we like and we
will not intimidate you with botanical technicalities!

Echium
One of the “must have” plants for any exotic garden. Echium pininana is superlative in its architecture even before it throws up it massive flower spike which can be
up to 5m in height. Be warned however. This is one plant however that will test your commitment to gardening. Its hardy to around -4 and you need to get it through two
winters before it will flower. Keep your fleece handy
and be prepared to protect it every time a frost might strike.
If you succeed, you will be basking in the glory of the
plant in flower for months. It is worth it!!
We also grow the shrubby and perennial Echium fastuosum which has a smaller stature, and the amazing but
frustrating Echium wildprettii.

Palms
A group of plants with broader garden potential. If you
want one hardy then go for Trachycarpus fortunei, but consider the more slender and charismatic T.wagnerianus. Chamaerops humilis, the pygmy date palm is evocative of holidays in the Med, and is ideal where space is limited.
For an even more spectacular look, then come and see our fabulous Butia, Phoenix and Washingtonia specimens.
Smaller plants will need a little winter care but hardiness increases considerably with size and age, so an
investment in a larger plant will give you immense pleasure.

Ricinus
Normally grown as an annual, plants may reach 2m or more in height with large palmate leaves in various shades of green and red. We have various different varieties including the awesome New Zealand Black form with deep metallic purple leaves. Plant one, water and feed it… and stand back.
Please be warned however, this plant is acutely poisonous,
being the source of the poison ricin.

Succulents
An increasing important group of garden plants in these times of increasing water shortages. Many succulents and even cacti are much hardier than previous expected provided that they do not get too wet in the winter. We have many species of Agave which will gradually become more available. We grow a host of different Aloe and Opuntia most of which we suggest you experiment with yourselves within the microclimate of your own garden.

Tetrapanax
A horticultural ipod. Fabulously leafy and dramatically dominant, it's like a Fatsia with a makeover. We have both the species and the T.Rex selection. As our numbers increase so the price comes slowly down. Some claim that Tetrapanax is not very hardy, our stock plants endured -8 last winter with no damage whatsoever.