Madeira Botanical Gardens -

It was wet. Usually the showers clear and it is bright again. This morning it didn't.

We went on the bus up to the Botanical Gardens and we were drenched before we even got to the centre of town. By the time we had headed up into the heights near Monte it was torrential - and no sign of any let up. We wandered around as long as we could cope ( I had memories of wet days in Rhyl !)

I have every intention of returning to this magical place. Even with the drenching rain it was stunning. Another visit, when the light is perfect is a treat to look forward to.

Familiar plants which we know as house plants in small pots are huge and mysterious. Birds of paradise take on their own special quality and the foliage is dramatic and deep in colour

I did take some orchid shots but this jasmine was my final choice....

Madeira, with its rain, is rightly a floral paradise