In the Pink

RHS Wisley opened a new Orchid House this week, so I headed over to investigate. Previously they had a tiny corner of the glasshouse for a potted display which could be easily refreshed, though clearly not very naturalistic. They have now converted the much larger exhibition area for a more natural planted layout, and thinking green have reused rock features from their last winter "underwater" glasshouse experience.  The planting is very new and the orchids maybe don't make quite the impact as before, but it will be interesting to see how it develops.

It was then time for a walk around one of my favourite areas, the prairie-like planting at the rear of the glasshouse. Currently the coneflowers  and similar (see extra) are coming into full bloom, and the bees and butterflies were out in force.

A successful day out.