Cluttercut: Dunedin's Rhododendron Dell

I can't believe we had hail only a week ago.

Today it is 21 C (70 F), the sun is shining, and you couldn't ask for more beautiful spring weather.

I'm supposed to be at Church singing this morning, but I'm taking it easy as I'm still recovering, and will only be singing this evening, as I had a concert last night with City Choir, and didn't want to go too heavy with the singing when I'm still weak.

A host of golden daffodils...they're my favourite flowers.

So instead of Church, we went for some nature worship, up at the Botanic Gardens.

Dunedin has a world-famous Rhododendron Dell - four acres of rhododendrons - and they're starting to bloom.

Sun-caught rhododendrons, stealing the sunlight.

I'll share a few photos, but I only wish I could share the heaven-born scent with you! This is truly one of the most beautiful gardens I've ever known. Click on any of the photos for a larger version.

Running down the Cherry Walk!

If you ever get a chance to visit Dunedin at this time of year, please make the Rhododendron Dell a key feature of your trip. You won't be disappointed.

The photographs don't do these flowers justice.

The Cherry Walk

This is the Cherry Walk, framed on both sides by "Accolade" cherry trees. These trees were planted in 2000, after the original trees were struck down by silver leaf disease. They're doing well, as you can see, and the blossom is divine.

Magnolias in bloom. Simply beautiful.

The magnolias are also out in bloom.

Everywhere you look, spring is evident. When I walk in places like this, there is a deep, wholesome gladness that wells up within me. Do you know that feeling?

So lovely, and the scent is divine.

It's a feeling of peace and contentment, and a knowledge that true beauty isn't found in things we buy or make, but in the natural world around us, if only we take time to reflect, and open our eyes, and look.