if you want to have a go at growing exotic plants outdoors then i suggest you visit these websites first
http://www.mulu.co.uk/index.php
http://www.thepalmcentre.co.uk/
http://homepages.which.net/~david.ison/
http://www.urbanjungle.uk.com/
http://www.hardypalms.co.uk/
http://www.easytropicals.com/
http://www.aump26.dsl.pipex.com/directory.htm
http://www.turn-it-tropical.co.uk/
http://www.thepalmhouse.co.uk/frameset.html