Growing Bold: A Conversation with George from George’s Jungle Garden

George’s Jungle Garden

At Happy Houseplants, we’ve long been devoted followers of George’s Jungle Garden — not just because his garden looks like something out of a faraway rainforest, but because of the heart, honesty and humour he brings to every post, photo and video. George doesn’t just grow plants — he grows dreams, experiments, setbacks and triumphs, and generously shares them all with a thriving community of fellow plant lovers across Instagram and YouTube.

His YouTube channel has become a must-watch for anyone even vaguely curious about growing exotics in the UK. With over 250 videos (and counting), George has documented the full arc of his garden’s evolution — from wheeling banana plants across patios to building raised desert beds and filming in fog and frost with his dachshunds at his side. There’s something deeply personal and hopeful in the way George narrates the seasons: the careful wrapping of a palm before the freeze, the first emergence of Gunnera in spring, or the late summer joy of Hedychiums in full bloom. It’s not a glossy garden show — it’s real life, filled with muddy boots, microclimates and moments of pure green magic.

In an era where climate change is nudging our planting palettes in new directions, George is quietly leading a revolution — showing what’s possible when you mix horticultural curiosity with courage and a love of all things leafy. From hardy Trachycarpus palms to towering Colocasias and dramatic foliage combinations that defy the weather forecast, his garden in North Lincolnshire isn’t just surviving — it’s flourishing. It proves that jungle-style planting isn’t just for Bali or Brazil. It’s for anyone with a patch of ground, a bit of boldness, and the willingness to let plants run a little wild.

We sat down with George to learn how it all started, what he's learned along the way, and why — even after all the rare and exciting plants he’s grown — it’s the trusty Fatsia japonica that still holds a special place in his heart.

Palms bringing a real touch of the tropics to the jungle garden — hard to believe this is the UK sometimes!

Let’s start at the beginning — how did George’s Jungle Garden first take root? Was there a particular moment or plant that set you off on this journey?

I’ve always had a keen interest in plants, gardening, the countryside and nature from a young age, and it wasn’t long before trees — followed by larger-than-life, exotic-looking plants — grabbed my attention. Gunnera was one of the first plants that completely captivated me, and I remember walking back from our local garden centre with a huge Fatsia japonica as a child. It was very quickly joined by a Gunnera of my own and a banana plant for the bathroom within weeks!

At that time, my dream job was definitely to be a garden designer. As an adult, buying a Gunnera and Ensete reignited my passion for bold plants once again — and as you know, it’s a slippery slope! A large collection of tropical-style plants, palms and exotics soon followed, culminating in buying our new house with an extra-long garden in 2020, when the jungle garden journey could really begin (after the mammoth task of moving house and tonnes of pots!).

Sharing my passion for plants and tropical gardening adventures on my YouTube channel came shortly after, when my love of photography, setting up our ‘forever’ garden, and being part of the fantastic exotic gardening community overtook my self-confidence. And here we are now — 250 videos, an appearance on Gardeners’ World, and a moderate amount of garden progress later.

Your passion for tropical and exotic plants really comes through in everything you post. What is it about the jungle aesthetic that speaks to you — and has your style changed over time?

Thank you! I’m more than happy to share the highs, lows, and realities of a UK exotic gardening year — and what really excites me.

In terms of the jungle aesthetic, I was initially motivated by the enjoyment of growing individual plants — a similar group to those I tried growing as a child. The whole jungle look really followed on from that. When we were lucky enough to buy our own house, I was finally able to get carried away with more huge plants, bright colours, and bold planting combinations in soil we actually owned for the first time.

In that smaller garden, I went for a full-on tropical-style display, using lots of annuals, bedding, and seed-grown plants — high maintenance but definitely high impact. Moving to a larger garden, I’ve transitioned to a greener, more naturalistic jungle look, made up mostly of hardy exotic foliage plants blended with flowering Hedychiums, Salvias, and hardy Begonias for summer colour, along with companion plants like ferns and ground covers.

The shared themes throughout have been fast-growing plants, towering exotics that really make the garden wrap around you, and dense planting that creates seclusion and atmosphere. More recently, I’ve also been developing my Mediterranean and desert-style raised beds around our full-sun sunken patio and fire pit project.

The biggest change has probably been a move away from tender tropicals and a summer-focused display. Life’s got busier, and now I enjoy seeing my tougher hardy exotics develop in the ground year after year. There are countless ways the garden could have evolved — and probably still will — but as long as it involves growing exciting plants through our beautiful and varied seasons, I’m happy.

Bananas and purple Persicaria bringing bold colour and lush texture to the tropical garden — a little slice of the exotic, right here in the UK.

Do you “jungle up” indoors as well? Or is your house a different vibe entirely?

To be honest, other than a palm and a few houseplants, I don’t have many at all! I’ve got a lot of respect for people who enjoy growing a wide range of exciting or jungle-style houseplants — and those with truly amazing collections — but I’m definitely an outdoors person.

Growing a plant that looks like it should be kept indoors, outside in the garden is what gives me more of a buzz. I realised this when we went to Cornwall for my 30th — I appreciated the Eden Project, of course, but seeing similar plants outdoors in places like the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Trebah, and Tremenheere had so much more impact on me.

If I didn’t have outdoor space, I’d absolutely be going houseplant crazy! There are so many lush and leafy species you could use to create your own mini jungle. My long-term plan is to build a lean-to greenhouse — great for overwintering plants and experimenting with growing tougher types that people usually class as houseplants. Until then, most of my indoor plants are just tender outdoor ones that come in over winter, and I try to keep things simple for the space and time I’ve got.

A freezing day, but the trees, palms, Yuccas and drought-tolerant plants are still standing strong. A very different feel to the leafy jungle — but beautiful in its own way.

We know you’re working with a UK climate — what’s your approach to making tropicals work here? Any hard-learned lessons or unexpected wins with overwintering?

This is something I’ve explored a lot over the years, both in my garden and on YouTube. If I had to limit it to three main tips, I’d say:

Plant selection — It’s well worth doing your research. Find out how cold your area typically gets in winter, and start with tougher exotics that are proven to survive in similar conditions. Placement can make a big difference too — sheltered spots and good drainage can transform a plant’s chances.

Preparation — Planning ahead is key. If a plant needs protection, get everything ready in advance. Don’t leave it to the last minute! I try to minimise what I have to do over winter, but I’ve learned that the year you decide to “risk it” will be the one when a proper cold snap hits. Mulching and wrapping things like Musa basjoo bananas is often worthwhile — and I now wish I’d made better covers for some of my Agaves!

Don’t overdo it — You can kill your plants with kindness. Lots of exotic plants — especially palms and tree ferns — don’t need wrapping for more than the very coldest week or two. Many actually benefit from airflow, humidity, and natural moisture in our winters. Wrapping them for months can cause rot. Learn from others, watch UK gardeners like myself or Yorkshire Kris on YouTube, and remember: sometimes less is more.

Gardening is experimental. Sometimes things don’t work out — maybe it’s the weather, maybe a weak plant — but that’s part of the journey. And when something does surprise you by surviving, it’s all the sweeter.

Your garden has been featured in the media and on Gardeners’ World. What was that experience like — and has it changed how you see your own garden?

It’s definitely been a surreal experience! I still see myself as someone who just enjoys experimenting with plants and sharing that journey — so to be featured on Gardeners’ World was a huge honour, especially given how much I’ve learned from the programme over the years.

It came about quite organically. I’d been documenting the garden on YouTube and Instagram, and the team got in touch asking to visit. They were really warm, supportive and genuinely interested in the garden’s story — especially the idea of pushing what’s possible in a British climate.

I think the biggest shift for me was realising how many people resonated with that idea — that you can create something personal, bold and immersive without needing tropical weather or acres of land. It’s encouraged me to keep sharing, to be even more honest about the process, and to connect with people trying similar things in different regions. That’s been one of the most rewarding parts.

You often talk about climate change in your videos. How do you see it shaping gardening — and has it changed what you plant?

It’s impossible to ignore, especially when you’re in the garden every day, noticing patterns and shifts year on year. Winters are getting milder overall, but more unpredictable. Summers can be scorching one minute, then cool and wet the next. That inconsistency makes plant choices even more important.

There’s nothing quite like Gunnera for making a statement — those giant leaves bring serious drama to the garden.

What’s one plant you’ll always grow — no matter where you live?

That’s easy — Fatsia japonica. It was one of the first plants that truly inspired me as a kid, and I still love it. It’s architectural, reliable, evergreen, and just has that wonderful, slightly alien vibe. There are newer cultivars like 'Spider's Web' or 'Camouflage', but even the classic green variety holds its own in any border.

It’s a great example of a hardy, exotic-looking plant that needs minimal fuss but delivers year-round impact. And it complements bolder plants perfectly — a real team player in the jungle garden.

Do you have a favourite under-the-radar plant that more people should try growing?

There are loads! But if I had to pick one, I’d go for Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex'. It’s becoming more popular now, but it still surprises people who’ve never seen it before. The huge leaves are like parasols — I just love their ridiculously oversized leaves!

It’s also surprisingly hardy once established, especially in sheltered spots. If you give it space and a bit of protection when young, it’ll reward you with something truly dramatic.

Any advice for someone starting out who loves the jungle look but doesn’t know where to begin?

Start small, and start with plants that excite you. You don’t need to transform your whole garden overnight. Try one corner, or a group of pots, and build from there.

Some great starters are Fatsia japonica, Musa basjoo, Trachycarpus fortunei, and maybe a few bold foliage perennials like Rodgersia or Hosta for structure. You can always mix in some seasonal colour with annuals like Coleus or Ricinus for extra drama.

Watch how the light moves through your garden, and think about layering — tall plants for canopy, mid-height foliage, and ground cover below. That’s what creates that jungle feel, even in a small space.

And don’t worry about mistakes — they’re part of the fun.

Finally — what’s next for you and your garden? Any big projects or dreams on the horizon?

Always! I’ve got plans to expand the Mediterranean and desert beds, experiment more with drought-tolerant exotics, finally finish the fire pit project, and maybe even build that greenhouse I keep talking about!

There’s a long list of plants I want to try growing — and I’d love to create more habitat areas too, encouraging wildlife alongside bold planting.

On the YouTube side, I’ll keep sharing the journey honestly — the wins, the learning curves, and everything in between. If it helps someone else get excited about growing plants, or try something new in their garden, then it’s worth every minute.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your favourite houseplants — the Alocasias, Begonias, Calatheas and more — could make the leap from living room to lush garden border, George’s world is a treasure trove of inspiration. His garden might be outdoors, but many of the plants he grows started life on windowsills and greenhouse benches — and that’s exactly why we wanted to share his story with you.

At Happy Houseplants, we know our readers don’t just want plants that sit quietly in a corner. You want foliage that makes a statement, plants that evolve with the seasons, and living spaces — inside and out — that feel alive. George’s Jungle Garden brings all that and more. His YouTube channel is packed with tips, experiments, and honest reflections — and his work has even caught the eye of Gardeners’ World, among other TV and media outlets.

Cold-stressed Euphorbia x pasteurii 'John Phillips' looking festively fiery and scarlet the day before Christmas Eve.

He’s not just a passionate gardener — he’s part of a growing movement of UK creators showing how bold, immersive planting can thrive even in unpredictable British weather. Whether you’ve got a south-facing garden or a tiny terrace, George’s insights into soil, light, and plant resilience are pure gold for anyone who loves houseplants and dreams of taking them one step further.

So if you’re craving a splash of green drama, curious about what you could grow next, or simply want a glimpse into a truly special garden — this interview is for you.

About George

George is the creator of George’s Jungle Garden, a thriving YouTube channel and Instagram account dedicated to bold, exotic-style gardening in the UK. From hardy palms to jungle perennials and dramatic foliage, George shares his real-life gardening experiments, successes, and setbacks with honesty, humour, and heart — inspiring thousands of gardeners to dream bigger, dig deeper, and embrace the wild side of British gardening.

Follow George (and some very cheeky dachshund cameos)
👉 YouTube: George’s Jungle Garden
👉 Instagram: @georgesjunglegarden
👉 Facebook: George’s Jungle Garden

Huge thanks to George for taking the time to speak with us and share so generously from his garden. We’re big fans — and we know our readers will be too.

Happy growing.