As I mentioned in the last post, I conquered two ‘ fears ‘ when I was in Cornwall. One was surfing in the sea – the other is right here in this post about the Eden Project Rainforest Biome.

I have actually made three different posts for this week all about the outdoor inspiration from our Cornwall trip. Because it was impossible to make it just one. Not only did we visit the Eden Project but also a very beautiful Japanese Garden so you will see a bit of them all.

The Eden Project is somewhere that has been on our ‘ to do ‘ list for ages.  – I was going to work there  for Live 8 back in 2005 but couldn’t as I was pregnant with my lovely Mae. So, it has taken all this time to actually visit but I am so glad that we have now and as a family. It was a superb afternoon and really educational.I think we all need reminding how fragile our planet is and how important our rainforests are.

Having said that – don’t expect me to reel off the names of all the amazing plants in these photos. I was too busy feeling overwhelmed with love for the colours and shapes … and the heat.

This is where I conquered the second ‘ fear ‘ of  the week … heights !

I climbed what felt like a  very long way up ( 50m to be precise ) on some ‘ swingy ‘ steps with Mae to look down over all the plants. Not particularly okay with looking down, I did ‘ brave face ‘ and it was quite something to see the entire dome in its glory … and look at all the teeny weeny people, but I was very glad to get back down again and my legs wobbled for sometime afterwards. As you climb higher, the more humid it gets. Totally worth it though.

Being the largest indoor rainforest in the world it incorporates Tropical Islands, Southeast Asia, West Africa, Tropical South America it feels and smells like you are there. There are even some exotic birds in the trees, although you do spot the odd sparrow that has crept in too ( can you blame them ? ).

There is a Malaysian Hut, rubber plants, rice plants growing in water ( the scent is quite strong ) a sugar truck and lots of educational stops for kids .. and adults !

Everywhere we looked, there was something interesting to study. I believe these are Cacao trees from West Africa  – once crushed they become the basis for chocolate. You could also see bananas growing and pineapples amongst other fruit.

There are lots of warm, passionate colours as you’d expect. I believe this is for some to attract birds to pollenate. They all have their purpose. Isn’t nature an amazing thing ?

I loved the detail in the plants too. They almost looked hand painted and stitched ?

These tropical leaves remind me of all the stationary and clothing prints around at the moment. I wonder if they realise they’re bang on trend in the fashion world ? :)

As you can see – lots and lots of inspiration for an exotic garden. Of course, these all thrive with warm climates but there are lots of plants to be found that would add the tropical, feeling indoors or out.

I will leave you with this huge waterfall which cooled us down for a bit while we drank some smoothies.

Next will be a post about the Mediterranean Biome, in Cornwall. Which, I hope you will love !

In the meantime, do leave me a comment if you recognise these plants and know the names or feel inspired for your garden ? I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for reading …

Lucy