We recently spent an entire day at Edinburgh's beautiful Royal Botanic Garden. While the morning was overcast the sun was shining by noon and we didn't waste the opportunity and enjoyed an outdoor picnic lunch. :) The RBGE was filled with people of all ages and as we discovered a lovely place for a leisurely stroll.
The RBGE was established in 1670 and covers over 70 acres within the city of Edinburgh. Some of the trees are massive and judging by their size may very well have been planted during the 17th century.
There is a rock garden...
...and this little star or flower shaped plant (0n the left) caught my attention. It's small in size, perhaps not much more than 2-3" in width.
The Chinese Hillside garden is home to the largest collection of wild-origin Chinese plants outside China, complete with pagoda buildings and bridges over waterfalls.
Around every corner there was something to make us stop and take notice. How could we not?
The building in this photo is actually a restaurant, and a table either inside or on the outdoor patio provides a perfect venue for viewing this water feature.
Directly behind from where I stood to take the photo above, and up a slight incline, is a spectacular view of the city proper. That tower just left of the hills in the distance is Nelson's Monument on Calton Hill.
Another personal favourite was the abundance of holly trees and hedges. This particular tree stood at least 20 feet tall.
This stream view along with the sound of flowing water as we stood in the middle of an arched stone bridge, however, could not be beat...
...Not even by the palm trees to the right of the Victorian Palm House.
A visit to the RBGE is my idea of heaven...enjoying a fantastic day in the 'country' in the city!
A visit to the RBGE is my idea of heaven...enjoying a fantastic day in the 'country' in the city!
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