Opulent

That's the adjective that sprung to mind when I saw this marvellous rhododendron this afternoon - it's been promising to flower for some weeks now, and today, this. Huge blooms, creamy white and perfect.

Pal left book in Benmore Gardens yesterday - too busy blethering, I reckon - so I had the excuse to return late today for a midge-followed walk around closing time. Midges are bearable only if you (a) keep walking and (b) avoid breathing. As the latter isn't quite possible, we settled for silence - anything to cut down the carbon dioxide that attracts them.

My extra photo is of some luscious purple grass beside the pond. I longed to run it through my fingers, but resisted.