Turn right and walk along the keeper's path for a few yards before taking the first left opening. There is a steep bank planted with Rhododendron niveum, a striking purple, and many other shrubs in memory of John Raven who died in 1980. The path leads to a new pond and a bridge carved out of a fallen tree. Cross the bridge and follow the path. On your right is a large Macedonian pine and a Viburnum furcatum with white lacecap flowers in April, attractive foliage and superb autumn colours.
You can then continue into a natural bowl planted with large-leaved rhododendrons or follow the curve back to the keeper's path through a recently planted avenue of fragrant deciduous azaleas. Like all areas of the garden, there are many other fine plants, too numerous to mention, in this compartment. Turn left at the keeper's path. Below is the "Alpine Meadow" with a large colony of self-sown asphodel and an exceptional Sorbus vilmorinii, one of the best autumn trees in the garden. Continue along the path and turn left over a small bridge and follow the stream.
Viburnum furcatum photographed April 2004.
If you would like to continue your virtual stroll round the garden, walk this way to the Cinnabarinum Glen. 