Like drops of blood ...

This magnificent rhododendron stands tall among the trees on the hillside in Benmore Gardens. Beyond it, to the right, is a pink magnolia, also a tree, also almost hidden among the foliage of the forest. This afternoon, as the rain came on again after a brief spell of sunshine, the red flowers looked for all the world like big drops of blood against the dark green. 

Benmore Botanical Garden is a magical place, especially in the late afternoon when everyone has gone home and the red squirrels emerge as if to take charge again ...