It’s the kind of woodland garden that words can’t easily describe. Nestled in the heart of the ever-popular Richmond Park sits the Isabella Plantation, ready to wow visitors. While a visit at any time of the year is a treat, it’s during the months of April and May when the camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom that the space is at its most spectacular. During these months the riot of colour is unrivalled – pinks, reds and purples line the ponds and streams and look like the most colourful carpet.

Having never visited the park before I was amazed at the drama that this floral sight created – everywhere I looked there was another picture-perfect scene. As you’d imagine, such a site draws the crowds, but during our visit there was a calm within the park perimeter that felt like a respectful hush, in awe of the space and its many exotic and native plants. At 40 acres in size, there are lots of little nooks and crannies and winding paths over babbling streams – all making for the perfect game of hide and seek.

It was by the pond that I took my pause, to sit down and drink in the view . (Attempting to capture the sight on camera too, of course!) It’s perhaps unverified but I think picnic food tastes even better when surrounded by such beauty. After a brief time refuelling in contented silence, we left the park with smiles on our faces, resolved to make this an annual springtime pilgrimage.

Images by Ruth Garner