Limited skunks ...

I've taken photos of this corner of Benmore Gardens before - usually when (a) the morning sun was bright on the water and (b) the abundant spikes of yellow from the skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) that has only produced a few yellow blobs in the distance this year. I don't know if the staff of the gardens have been carrying out some war against the plant this year, for I've hardly seen any in the usual spots. It's hideous once the flowers have gone and the leaves grow huge and ugly, but the colours were a vivid addition in a dark corner.

I've just looked up some further info on the plant.  Its roots, apparently,  are food for bears, who eat it after hibernating as a laxative or cathartic. Perhaps there is more wildlife in Benmore Gardens than red squirrels and deer ...