Rhoddie

Benmore Gardens (yes, we were there again because there was a lower chance of rain than in the glens) is famous for its rhododendrons, and just now is pretty magical with glimpses of different colours, sizes and even shapes of blooms all over the extensive hillside. This was today's favourite, its bright half-shut blooms and paler fully-out ones contrasting with the dark, shiny leaves, which in this particular example droop down round the flowers.

Add to that the ever-increasing canopy of magnolias and the song of many small birds (a chaffinch in particular at this point) and you can't blame me for returning more times than seems sensible.

And did I mention the shrub whose tiny blossoms smell of chocolate?