I had expectations I'd discover inspiring things and people on this trip. Although I wasn't sure what I would find, I was hopeful something would blow me in a new direction.
Tim Smit is a beacon of hope and the kind of change agent I was seeking. I had heard about his projects before coming to Cornwall, but seeing them in action put his passion into perspective. Both the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are the friggin bomb of ambition, spirit and imagination.
Here is a link to a talk he did about beauty. I won't recant it, but will leave it to you to check out. Do it now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULz5hJDfPtE
Tim's dream and determination has transformed a Cornish quarry into an enterprise of beautiful and epic proportion. The Cornish micro climate is the unlikely, yet perfect, location for rainforest growth.
Tim knew little more about gardening than Alfie when he embarked on his enormous projects. He hired the best, managed like a pro and had balls of steel.
Pretending we're in Malaysia. The climate in the rainforest section of one of the Eden domes was built to imitate the jungle heat.
Hot and hilarious children.
Winding up the hot paths of the rainforest dome.
Sticky, curly Alf. In the matter of minutes he was drenched in the rainforest. It made me miss South East Asia like crazy.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan was a day trip I won't forget. I entered a little grumpy due to the foul, grey weather. After hours of wandering the magnificent spread of re-discovered gardens I was grinning alongside my 5 year old. It took us all to a magical place.
A little lost in the Heligan jungle.
Floral face worth kissing.
The restored vegetable gardens had a bounty as far as the eye could see.
Crannies made just for 4 footers.
Monster leaves!!! Is this the day of the Triffids?
This bridge was tricky work for the tinies. It took them forever to get across.
I'm lost. Is this really Cornwall?!