The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Today, we decided to visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan, somewhere I have wanted to visit for a long time and today my dream was fulfilled.
Heligan was a Victorian garden which was lost when nature took over with the outbreak of WW1 when its workforce went off to fight and many never returned. In 1990 it was re-discovered and these once glorious gardens began to be brought back to life, becoming Europe’s largest restoration project. 
We wandered through the woodlands, discovering various sculptures such as the Mud Maid in my main, and some wonderful ancient trees which were planted over 200 years ago . 
Further into the gardens we came across The Jungle, apparently the UK’s only outdoor jungle, which was a riot of exotic and luxuriant plantings. (first extra) There was even a rope bridge to venture across but dogs weren’t allowed, not even if they were carried, so Nick and I had to take turns to stay with Bertie. My shot of Nick (second extra) for some reason looks as if he is walking into a tunnel of light. 
Altogether, it was a wonderful day but I found it most poignant to read about the estate workers who had originally made these gardens great, before departing for the Great War.