Tropical Palms & Other

You're not alone, strongy! I've tried various situations in the garden here and P nigra doesn't like any of them.
@WeeTam..trust me, you can grow a breathtaking range of plants in grey, cool Britain. Far wider range than in mainland europe! Even the tender stuff, find a nice sheltered corner or invest in a conservatory and there you go......and just think of all the woodland plants that thrive there but are impossible here.

 

I find that bamboos need a rich soil and plenty of water.
If they don't get it, the "go looking" for it.....ie push up spindly culms all over the place.

 

Blimey, how big are your sparrows down there?

I know its not bamboo, but I use arundo donax for the effect.

 

Zamia floridana.
Female plant judging by the cones


Nice planting of some Bromeliads

 

Polypodium polypodioides



A really nice epiphytic fern.

I saw quite a few clumps that looked dead. But did a bit of reading, and apparently, with a bit of rain, they will revive.