The Butterfly Lovers Pavilion at RHS Wisley, where else?!

This isn't the post I expected to write today, but as I looked through my photos these were the pictures I was drawn to, so here we are. They're from my day at Woodfest with STIHL last October and are just some of the snaps I took as I wandered around the grounds. I've now visited Wisley twice, and I'm pretty sure I still haven seen everything - but that's ok, as it means I'll have to go back.

The first thing that caught my eye was the greying wood, it's not usually my thing, but here it looked as if it was meant to be and gave the impression the pavilion had been in place much longer than 2005, when it was opened. 

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And then I looked up and saw the intricate carvings and detail, and I was sold. I knew then that I'd spend time in the pavilion simply soaking up the views and the detail.  

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It's on the edge of the lake, which seems entirely right and the water draws you close. It's only then the full view unfurls in front of you, and the sculptures ahead are framed perfectly providing a zen-like view, or at least a view that made my heart sing.  

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To the right was lush, and large, gunnera, with its giant sized leaves and strangely dolphin-like stones.  Please don't say that's just me...

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The detail was everything, and everywhere. Just look at the pebble and stone floor, not forgetting the darker border, and the direction of the pebbles.

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You can see why it's such a calming and tranquil place can't you. I sat, I watched and finally I moved away and took in the view one last time.

And what a view. 

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After the calm and tranquility, my eyes settled on these vibrant clusters of colchicums. The contrast couldn't have been more vivid. Nor could I help but be a little envious, in my own garden if I'm lucky I'll have one or two of these, but a much paler variety. 

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But each time I spot one of my delicate blooms from now on, I know I'll be reminded of the butterfly lovers pavilion at Wisley. 

And why Wisley, where else?

Well I saw that the butterflies are back at Wisley until March. These butterflies have much more sense though and instead of visiting this pavilion they'll be in the Glass Houses. It's been a couple of years since I visited, but it was a truly magical experience. Clearly not for anyone that's not keen on butterflies, but if you do and if you want a butterfly to land on you, wear bright colours!