First it was olive oil, sun dried tomatoes and ciabatta bringing the Mediterranean in our kitchens, and now it seems we are experimenting with exotic 'tastes' in the garden too - and it's all due to our changing climate, according to a DIY chain.

Just as we have enjoyed an explosion of Mediterranean flavours, a wider variety of Mediterranean and tropical plants is now available and able to flourish in the UK, due to a warmer and drier climate in recent years. These include banana palms, bay topiaries, lavender and sea holly that need considerably less water.

Ten years ago, the DIY and garden centre company, B&Q stocked just a handful of exotic and Mediterranean plants, while in 2004 there are almost 20 different products, the firm says.

Ian Howell, Horticultural Technologist at B&Q says: "The changing climate in Britain has opened some exciting doors for the plant world and gardeners."

"Ten years ago it was inconceivable to find such exotic plants in our back gardens. In 2004 plants that were previously only grown in Italy and the South of France are now flourishing everywhere from Bognor to Birmingham. Whereas ten years ago, the most popular plants found in British gardens were daffodils, roses and pansies, now it's increasingly common to see exotic palms and topiaries."

Tropical plants from far-flung corners of the world give British gardeners a feeling of being well-travelled and living an exotic lifestyle, and with many more plants available that need less care, those who do live in the fast lane can now enjoy a blooming garden too.

Ian Howell comments: "These days many of us want outdoor space that is just as stylish as our designer wardrobes, in the main driven by the number of garden makeover programmes."

"However, pretty English country gardens, which need constant pruning and watering, are making way for modern, minimalist designs, and people are experimenting with new plants and sleek furniture to match."