Make a garden more exotic with a palm, expert says

16:07 14th March 2011

Gardening and greenhouse enthusiasts can bring the feeling of the tropics to their own outside space by buying a palm, an expert has suggested.

In an article for the Daily Mail, Martyn Cox revealed many of these plants will thrive in the UK climate with minimal care.

Martin Gibbons, manager of the Palm Centre in Surrey, said: "Most people think palms need careful cosseting over winter but that's far from the truth - there are many that need no protection at all and will easily cope with rain, snow and subzero temperatures."

Some of the best varieties to plant in a garden include the Blue Mediterranean Fan, the Chusan and the Chilean Wine palms, Mr Cox stated.

They need little pruning, but do need to be scraped free of snow during the winter, he added.

In a recent article for the same newspaper, the author suggested cactuses are a great way for kids to learn about gardening, due their hardy nature.