Delicate in the rain

We tend to think of rhododendrons as irrepressible invaders, rampaging over Scotland's hills after their unwise introduction by the Victorians. But this beautiful specimen, high on the hill of Benmore Gardens, is in full bloom now with blooms that look as delicate as they in fact are.

For last year I actually didn't see this bush with its flowers looking like this; when they are saturated they turn brown and remain sodden till they fall off. It was raining today by the time we passed it, so I crouched under it to record its transient beauty while I could.

We saw the first of the magnolias in flower too. And we heard a marvellous woodpecker, repeating its drum-roll over and over in the tall trees.