Iris Dell

The Iris Dell has a raised walkway and attractive seats, ideal for contemplating the calm of the central pond, fed by an elegant waterfall. It comes into its own in early summer when the hundreds of varieties of Japanese irises come into bloom and fill the area with colour. All round are rhododendrons and maples, among the latter the outstandingly attractive coral-bark maple.

Among the larger trees is a fine specimen of swamp cypress (Taxodium distichum) from the south-eastern USA. Distinctive features of of this tree are its characteristic pneumatophores. These are nature's snorkels, roots that come out of the glutinous mud in which the tree naturally lives to allow vital air into the root system.

Climbing up out of Iris Dell up the steps furthest away from the Slip side is a quick route to Compost Corner.

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