But, On Reflection...

Went down to the Botanics this morning and had coffee in the Hope Gateway cafe, which leads on to a terrace overlooking a series of three ponds. This is a view of the lowest, (with two goldfish near the botttom of the picture).

The gardens were the saddest we've ever seen; there were 40 trees blown down or damaged in the recent gales and the staff were busy sawing up felled trees into logs and clearing away branches; they must be sickened by the extent of the damage.

We visited the Witchhazel corner, one area has been cleared of three mature trees for extension of he the alpine collection, but my favourite, Barnstedt Gold, still flourishes and is just coming into flower.