As we entered the gardens, we were assailed by colour and perfume. There, we broke into small groups. Some walked earnestly, some strolled, some took the buggy tour to get an overall picture first. Without doubt the most popular area was the Nursery Rhyme Section with its incredible display which reminded many of long-forgotten nursery rhymes.

Although there had been some heavy rain in the preceding days, the gardens – not only roses – presented a wonderful variety of colour and fragrance. This was in spite of a higher than normal proportion of “deadheads” which were already receiving attention while we were there. The waterfall and some of the lookouts gave spectacular pictures and some cameras were very busy. Our rubbernecking was interrupted by a delicious lunch at the cafeteria and this also served to allay some tiring feet.

The return journey again proved that hearing-impaired people are by no means reluctant to raise their voices when they want to chat. A few eyes did close on the way home but the gentle smile on the dozer’s lips proved that it had been a successful day.