To help protect your tropical plants from the UK weather it can be a good idea to create a tree canopy. By strategically planting trees in your garden you can provide shelter for some of the more tender plants. The tree canopy can provide dappled shade, protect from the wind and during the winter can help to trap warm air which would provide some protection during cold spells.
Below the canopy you can layer your plants and include evergreen plants such as Fatsia, Cordyline Yucca and hardy palms.
Creating a micro climate will enable you to grow exotic plants that would not normally thrive in the UK. To create a warm micro climate its best to start small and create a small area that is more sheltered than the surrounding area. Start with evergreen trees to provide an insulating canopy in the winter. Allow some areas where the sun can still shine thriugh in the winter.
Creating the canopy may allow you to grow some of the more hardy palms etc without winter protecting. This can be a trial and error process. If in doubt its best to protect the plant with fleece etc to add to the canopy protection.