In summer, decks, patios, porches and backyards become destinations.

We carefully arrange outdoor furniture, market umbrellas, decorative all-season rugs and such to create comfortable gathering spots for outdoor enjoyment. The space, however small, becomes an escape.

And if you can't afford a tropical adventure this summer, why not transform your garden with tropical delights with plants, a style some garden designers are calling "Tropicalissimo." You'll find a wide mix of tropical and tropical-looking plants at nurseries and garden centers - big leaf foliage, colorful and exotic flowers and curiosities - all perfect for tucking into containers, beds and borders.

Planting cannas, caladiums, elephant ears, pineapple plants, banana trees, gingers, begonias, calla lilies and dahlias lets you escape to the tropics without packing a suitcase. Toss in a few feather Majestic palms or fan palms for more textural contrast. All you need is the rattan chaise lounge and a tall glass of something icy cold (don't forget the little umbrella!).

Tropicalissimo is also built on the concept of lush excess and abandon, an effect that can be created by varying heights of plants. The idea is to mix low and medium-tall plants and cluster them beneath taller plants. Lower-tier plants to try include oxalis (shamrock plants), caladiums, callas, pineapple lilies, begonias and tigridia. Volume-adding plants include shorter cannas and elephant ears.

Plants like bananas, tall cannas and elephant ears have dramatic impact to spare when planted in mega-sized pots and tucked into garden focal points. Taller plants can serve as screens, too, and foliage plants immediately soften a setting.

Mix-and-match foliage, shapes and forms, as well as color. Tuck in annuals such as coleus and New Guinea impatiens and any other colorful annuals that strike your fancy and have an exotic, tropical appeal.

- Pineapple lily (Eucomis) is a pineapple look-alike. The eucomis is topped by a 15-inch spire of tiny greenish-white flowers and a base of strappy green leaves. Place in full sun or shade. Plants bloom in July and August but, even after flowering, continue to hold their own in the garden. For best effect, plant in groups or make a splash in containers.

- Elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta) can be planted in containers or directly in the garden. The plant stands 3 to 5 feet tall with huge green or black that unfurl to look just like elephant ears. Plant in shade or partial shade. Remember to lift before frost, pot and bring them indoors.

- Caladiums are cool as cucumbers in filtered light to deep shade. Foliage appears to be paper-thin - spotted, mottled and patterned, and colors range from rich ruby red, deep green and variations of pale and dark shades of white, red and green. Again, remember to lift the plants and pot before frost. Bring them indoors to overwinter.

- Calla lilies (Zantedeschia) are elegant beauties. Shades of white, pink, purple and yellow are common. Best if planted in pots, although some Iowa gardeners have success planting in the ground (the same refrain: remember to lift in fall).