We returned to Trengwainton Gardens on 16 April in the glorious spring sunshine that even Cornwall was experiencing. Although we expected it to be busy due to the Easter holidays we were hoping that most people would head for the beaches.

Having outlined the walk we usually do in my last post on this garden, I shall simply take you around using the photos of the day. Although there were still Camellias in flower the main show is provided by Rhododendrons and Azaleas. As you may or may not know all Azaleas are Rhododendrons, but not all Rhododendrons are Azaleas. What is the difference I hear you ask? rhododendrons are larger shrubs than azalea plants, and they have larger leaves. Also, azalea flowers usually have five stamens, while the rhododendron flowers have ten and rhododendrons tend to be evergreen whilst azaleas are deciduous.

Personally I prefer the smaller flowering azaleas which can be stunning at this time of year. I find the huge often dark leaves of the rhodies to be somewhat depressing.

This time we were able to get lunch in the café. I had a marvellous salad of beetroot, fig, hazlenuts and Mozzarella cheese, the OH opted for a ham salad. Both were excellent. I hope Jo enjoys these photos, I know she is rather partial to Rhododendrons and I am sure there aren’t (m)any where she lives now.

Jo’s Monday Walk