No, this wasn't taken in Chile but this is an attempt to recreate some of that Andean scenery, and a pretty good attempt at that, by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Scotland
Having been pleasantly surprised by a visit to Benmore Botanic Garden a few years ago, that I won in a competition, I remember thinking the relatively newly planted hillside and viewpoint was quite atmospheric and would be worth future visits. I would look forward to seeing how the different varieties of monkey puzzle were progressing having grown up in a house that had a fine specimen in the garden and fond memories of this. The refuge would also be a good picnic place, especially if the weather wasn't too good.
Well a recent visit after a few years didn't disappoint. We made our way up to the viewpoint and had our sandwiches and then had a very leisurely walk back down through the different settings.
Years ago if my parents were going somewhere and asked if I wanted to go with them, without thinking, the answer would usually be no, especially if the name of the place to be visited included the word garden. Who wants to visit a garden? Boring!
Maybe I have become my parents but Benmore has so much more to offer than a garden. Yes, part of it is a garden but most of it is a network of trails and follies with some real gems hidden amongst it set on a hillside near Dunoon. Great place just for a walk but also to take your dog for a walk, ours loved it and the network of paths are well maintained. maybe they should rename it Benmore Trails and more people might visit.
Home also to an avenue of Giant Redwoods and a Victorian Fernery plus numerous little huts/follies.
