There are some places that instantly transport you somewhere far beyond the UK, and the Exotic Garden at RHS Wisley is definitely one of them. On one of the hottest, sunniest days of the summer, we packed a selection of our favourite tropical-inspired accessories and headed off to see whether we could find their perfect botanical backdrop.
With temperatures soaring, it was certainly an adventure. The sunshine was relentless, meaning we found ourselves seeking out shade among the palms. Even our iPhone decided it had had enough, flashing up the dreaded overheating warning after spending too much time in the sun while we were taking photos! It was a reminder that while tropical plants thrive in the heat, technology isn't always quite as resilient.
A Taste of the Tropics
From the moment you enter the Exotic Garden, you're surrounded by lush foliage, dramatic planting and vibrant colour. It's amazing to see so many tropical-looking plants flourishing outdoors in the UK.
One of the first features to catch our eye was the spectacular fountain, complete with a striking pineapple sculpture at the pinnacle. It creates a wonderful focal point and perfectly sets the scene for the exotic planting beyond.
As we wandered further through the garden, the wide pathways opened into smaller, winding trails that made the planting feel even more immersive. Towering palms stood alongside hardy banana plants, while delicate Mexican shellflowers, vibrant hibiscus blooms, unusual Kangaroo apple plants, elegant lilies and cheerful red sunflowers filled the borders with rich shades of red, orange, pink, purple and yellow.
Tropical Accessories in Their Natural Habitat
This felt like the perfect opportunity to photograph some of our favourite tropical-inspired accessories in surroundings that matched their bold designs.
The Pink Botanical MagSafe Tough Case looked right at home amongst the colourful flowers and leafy greenery, while the Cheetah Jungle Tough Case blended beautifully with the jungle-inspired foliage.
The Morocco Pool MagSafe Tough Case added a fresh splash of blue against the vibrant planting, creating a lovely contrast with the vibrant greens surrounding it.
For drinks on such a hot day, the Safari Water Bottle and Tropic Wonder Water Bottle were essential companions. Staying hydrated was definitely a priority, especially with so much sunshine and very little breeze.
We also brought along the Cactus Tech Sleeve, whose playful botanical design complemented the exotic planting perfectly. Although it spent most of the day tucked safely in the shade alongside the overheating phone!
Finding Beauty Around Every Corner
One of our favourite things about the Exotic Garden is how every turn reveals something new. Large architectural leaves create a dramatic backdrop before giving way to bursts of colourful flowers and unexpected planting combinations. It's a garden that encourages you to slow down, wander the smaller paths and appreciate the incredible variety of textures, shapes and colours.
Despite the intense heat, it was an inspiring place to spend the day. Between regular breaks in the shade, plenty of water and waiting for the phone to cool down, we managed to capture lots of colourful photographs and came away full of ideas for future tropical-inspired collections.
If you love bold botanical prints, vibrant colours and a little touch of the tropics, there's no better place to find inspiration than RHS Wisley's Exotic Garden. It's a wonderful reminder that you don't have to travel overseas to experience the beauty and atmosphere of a tropical paradise.
