88th at the Japanese Garden, Cowden

We had a lovely day out to celebrate my father-in-law's 88th birthday.  The Japanese Garden at Cowden had a fabulous show of late spring planting - magnolias, acers, azaleas and many woodland plants.  The rhododendrons weren't quite there with only a few in full bloom.  It's such a tranquil place with an interesting history.  The garden was created in 1908 by Ella Christie.  She was the first western woman to travel from Samarkand to Khiva and to meet the Dalai Lama.  

On to Bridge of Allan for a great lunch at Nick's.