Henstead Exotic Garden

Henstead Exotic Garden is a chance to see how far tropical-style planting can be pushed on the Suffolk coast. It is a private garden rather than a large estate, and the appeal is the sheer density of leaves: palms, bananas and exotic perennials planted so closely that it feels like walking into a jungle, which is how local press have described it.

Expect big foliage at every level, from tall palms down to lush ground cover, with paths winding between them. Because the garden is about leaf shape and texture rather than flowers alone, it looks good for a long stretch of the summer, and it is a striking contrast with the flat farmland and coast around Beccles. The garden has opened for the National Garden Scheme and has been part of the Gardeners' World 2-for-1 offer, and garden groups such as the Suffolk Gardens Trust have arranged visits.

For gardeners, this is the place to collect ideas for creating a sheltered, exotic corner at home: plant in layers, group large leaves together for drama, and use dense planting to build shelter for more tender plants. It is also worth noticing how plants are protected or lifted for winter. Bring a notebook and ask any questions you have on the day if the owners are about. A sunny afternoon shows the leaves at their best.