Stuck behind a convoy of maybe 150 Vespa scooters, I was worried that I’d be late for the starting time of 2.00pm at the Botanics. But I rolled up with 10 minutes to spare, trying to look unruffled.
The guides welcomed us warmly, quick to tell us of their own Oxbridge histories! The sun ratcheted up a few degrees and I managed to buy a hat. James, our guide, then began to reveal the occult mysteries of the trees, mostly reproductive, as we navigated the garden, to which we could only respond ‘Wow!’ and ‘That’s amazing!’ What had been ‘just’ a lovely vista became a tapestry of fascinating detail: weeping and happy beeches, Judas trees, skunk cabbage, oak hornbeam, with its leaves of two different designs. Already drunk on sunshine, we headed to the cafeteria for tea and a chance to chat.
Thank you to everyone for taking part. I hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as I did!