The Eden Project

Gardens in domes

When Kevin said he really wanted to visit the Eden Project we just knew that we had to do so as well. Our friend, Magda Vorster, lives in Exeter these days and she agreed to come along.  We expected to find large domes but were still surprised by the geodesic biodomes.  They were built on the site of a former china clay pit. 

The main exhibits are in two big domes, one for the Tropics and the other for the Mediterranean.  It was raining and cool when we visited, but inside it is either really hot - the Tropics - or quite pleasant - the Mediterranean.  One can really escape from the outside conditions while enjoying the huge variety of plants arranged to form forests and pleasant gardens. 

On our way in

Two views of the domes

We aimed for the Tropics on entering, at first enjoying the heat.  Inside the vegetation is impossibly lush with the forest extending over several levels.

A house like people would use in the Tropics

One can even go for a canopy walk

Sculpture is used everywhere in the Project.  

A visit to the Eden Project is expensive so we wanted to make the most of it, but after an hour or so in the heat we just had to get out.  Luckily we could then head for the Mediterranean dome.  

We just had to stop for tea.  This little shop is in the Mediterranean dome,

The outside gardens represent  biomes from moderate climates.  Here too one finds really interesting sculptures.

A beautiful horse made from driftwood

A honey bee in the outside garden

The WEEEman made from our trash

Magda and I had a lot of catching up to do, but soon we had to go our separate ways.  

Magda and I in the lovely outside garden.

Kevin, Magda, Madeleine and Pieter