Jardim Botanico

Funchal has at least three botanical gardens - Monte Palace, Palheiro and the Jardim Botanico, this one.

All three are spectacular and high on the hillsides with stunning views. This one is famed for the amazing patterns in this display.

Queen Mary 2 is in port and it was quite busy today but I hope I've captured some of the charm.

Today was my third visit but the first time it hasn't rained on me. The last visit was with my sister in law in February 2010, two days before the terrible tragedy of the floods and landslides. An English tourist and a taxi driver were swept away on the journey down from the Jardim Botanico. We had done the same descent.

There but for the grace of God......