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Banana plants need plenty of wrapping in winter to keep them warm. Without protection, the cold weather will decimate them and they'll have to grow from scratch in spring. A little extra effort will ensure thriving bananas that bring tropical cheer

Learn how to check for signs of frost damage in plants, with Sarah Raven's video advice. Sarah inspects banana plants covered in horticultural fleece for winter, and plants out a banana overwintered in a greenhouse.springMore advice on growing

Protect you plants from the cold weather and wrap half-hardy bananas, palms, cannas and ginger lilies in fleece and straw if they grow in sheltered positions. Alternatively lift the plants, pot or crate them up and bring into a frost-free greenhouse

In the heat of summer, this showy pot will bring a taste of the tropics to your garden. The huge, red-tinged banana leaves flounce above a frothy skirt of blue-grey parrot's beak and honey bush, and fiery begonias. April - JuneJune - September30

. Cut dahlias down to the next bud and remove banana and canna leaves at their base.Water these thirsty plants regularly, and give them a liquid feed once a fortnight.Transplant undercover or provide protection over winter.Growing exotic plants

Protect tender plants for winterThe trend for growing exotic looking plants in our gardens means that some of them may need protection from the worst of the winter cold and wet. Wrap half hardy bananas, palms and tree ferns with fleece, straw

virus.Planting exotic eucomis bulbs.Caring for cannas.Creating an exotic pot display with begonias and banana plants.Growing exotic plants from seed.

borders.Verbena bonariensis works well in a number of garden settings, such as cottage and contemporary gardens, due to its height and airy appearance. It's also beneficial for attracting wildlife, particularly butterflies.Growing tall on strong, wiry

. More tropical planting inspirationCreating a tropical display of begonia and banana plants.Growing tropical plants canna and eucomis in a pot.Planting Aloe variegata in a pot.

need after my disastrous attempts to store last year's sodden specimens.I've also planted 25 shallots – a classic French banana type called Longor. I haven't grown shallots for a few years, so I'm looking forward to the results. Last time we grew them