Summer Garden Tour 2026: How My Exotic Garden Has Changed

Welcome back to the garden! Every summer I like to take a step back and look at how everything has developed over the year, but 2026 has been unlike any other. We've had almost no rain throughout July and only 6 mm in June, alongside three heatwaves and months of exceptionally dry weather. It's been a real challenge, with some plants struggling while others have absolutely thrived.

A Completely Different View

The biggest change this year is impossible to miss. The old jungle area has gone and, in its place, is a brand-new lawn. Installed in April, it has transformed the centre of the garden into an open, usable space for the family while still allowing the surrounding exotic planting to shine. The wider views mean that many of the palms can finally be appreciated properly rather than disappearing behind towering summer foliage.

The lawn has also changed the atmosphere of the garden. In previous years, parts of the garden felt enclosed and almost jungle-like, whereas now there is a balance between open space and dense planting.

Palms Taking Centre Stage

The collection of palms continues to mature. The Trachycarpus nova by the back gate grows larger every year, while the silver-leaved Trachycarpus gemini sectus remains slow-growing but incredibly elegant. Nearby, the rare Butia palm is making steady progress despite the lack of water.

Further down the garden, the Trachycarpus princeps collection has become one of the standout features. Their striking blue-grey undersides and chunky trunks make them some of the most impressive plants in the garden.

For me, though, the true star of the garden is still the magnificent Jubaea chilensis. With its huge trunk and massive crown, it dominates the pond area and continues to become more impressive every year.

Giant Bamboo and Tree Ferns

The original blue bamboo remains as impressive as ever, now reaching almost the height of the house. Underneath it, the hostas and shade-loving plants continue to thrive.

The tree ferns have also had an excellent year. Sheltered from the worst of the weather and watered regularly, they've produced enormous fronds stretching up to two metres long. Despite the drought, they still bring a lush, tropical feel to the garden.

Colour Throughout the Borders

Even though the garden layout has changed dramatically, I still wanted to keep the colourful exotic look. Dahlias, zinnias, cannas and ricinus fill the borders with reds, oranges and purples, creating a vibrant contrast against the palms and structural foliage.

One of the biggest surprises this year has been how much colour remains despite the drought. Many plants are smaller than normal, but they're still flowering beautifully.

The Giant Schefflera

Towering above the borders is the enormous Schefflera, now reaching around four metres in height and width. What started as a relatively small plant has become one of the garden's focal points, casting shade over a mixture of gingers, annuals and colourful foliage plants below.

It's a reminder that, given enough time, even modest plants can become spectacular specimens.

New Paths and Landscaping

This year has involved more landscaping work than ever before. Old decking has been removed and replaced with gravel paths, larger planting beds and new areas dedicated to gingers and moisture-loving plants. The relocated ginger collection is already settling in well and should flower earlier than usual this year.

The new pathways have also opened up views across the garden, connecting different sections and making the whole space feel larger and more cohesive.

The Arid Garden

One area that has benefited from the dry weather is the arid garden. Agaves, yuccas, cacti and drought-tolerant plants have all thrived in the sunshine. The enormous Yucca linearis and Yucca faxoniana are becoming real statement plants, while the blue foliage of Brahea armata looks stunning when the sun catches it. These plants prove that not everything struggles in a hot British summer.

The New Decking and Gazebo Project

At the bottom of the garden, work continues on the new decking and gazebo area. The structure is beginning to take shape and will eventually become a destination point overlooking the surrounding fields. There's still plenty to do, including adding the roof, but it's already changing how the lower garden feels.

It's one of the biggest projects I've undertaken in the garden and will become a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the view.

Looking Back on Summer 2026

This year's garden is almost unrecognisable in places compared with previous summers. New lawns, gravel paths, relocated borders and major landscaping projects have transformed the space, while the established palms, bamboos and exotic plants continue to mature.

Despite the drought and the challenges of the weather, I'm incredibly pleased with how everything has come together. The garden continues to evolve, and I can't wait to see how these changes develop over the coming years.

Thanks for joining me on the tour, and here's to the rest of the gardening season.