The weatherman promised me a bright sunshiny day. I know he didn't mean to lie but ... well, that's what Tammy Wynette used to sing and that's what happened when we booked a time to visit Cornwall's Lost Gardens of Heligan. It was supposed to be sunny but it turned out quite cold with a sharp easterly wind and a colourless sky.
Such is life, but there were some wonderful rhododendrons on display at Heligan, as a consolation.
Some of the rhododendron are very old.
One specimen is claimed to be around 170 years old. It is thought to have been part of an 1851 expedition by Joseph Dalton Hooker.
Of course Heligan is not only rhododendrons, there are tulips and much more.
Some of the rhododendron are very old.
One specimen is claimed to be around 170 years old. It is thought to have been part of an 1851 expedition by Joseph Dalton Hooker.
Of course Heligan is not only rhododendrons, there are tulips and much more.
We decided to head for the Jungle and the Lost Valley.
On our way there were a couple of lakes but nothing to get excited about.
We passed the Witches Hat. Actually it's a sculpture by the Cornish sculptor James Eddy. It is said to represent Growth & Decay.
Bamboo, now that's a bit more exotic, wonder what it is hiding.
A mixture of trees and ferns plus more rhododendrons in the background.
It's all getting a bit more mysterious.
Lots of Gunnera starting to grow now. I've heard some people describe it as giant rhubarb.
From the valley sides there are several places which lead down to small ponds or lakes.
Here we are by a large pond and fern trees. You might be able to pick out some goldfish.
More water.
Heading into the Jungle's Fern Gulley - 3 photos.
Out of the jungle - more rhododendrons and also camellias.
Once out of the jungle refreshments are available, though it was a bit too chilly for most people to sit outside.
As we carried on walking we noticed the goose had found something of interest ...
... but it all got a bit confusing in the next photo.
The turkey was showing off his favourite finery. Actually there's something about turkeys that give me the collywobbles. Perhaps it's just because I'm vegetarian.
Ah, but the lamb gave me a nice smile. There are usually more farm animals to see.
From the animals we made our way to the Sundial Garden. A few other people had the same idea.
We found a seat and drank some of our coffee supply.
There is an unusual tree in the Sundial Garden - a Handkerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata).
The tree originates from Szechwan in China and the seed was collected by Ernest Henry "Chinese" Wilson in 1905.
At the right time of the year the ball of small brown flowers flutter delicately in the wind - like silk pocket handkerchiefs.
We decided to make our way home, though there is still much more to see at the Lost Gardens of Heligan - and more rhododendrons.
All in all an interesting visit, even though we have visited Heligan many, many times.
