Create a Mini Jungle

YEARS ago, I landed the job as presenter of the Channel 4 series Gardens of the Caribbean and spent six weeks filming on six different islands, surrounded by tropical foliage and flowers. Soon after, we moved to Devon and inspired by Caribbean style, we repainted a wooden outbuilding from an agricultural green to blue and cream.

Hardy plants are best

The slightly raised border running alongside was widened by moving a path and planted with a lush, jungle-like profusion of mainly hardy plants. It is still one of my favourite parts of the garden.

Now is a great time for planning, with time to clear a space, condition soil and