Rose Tree?

It seems a little strange, but the name Rhododendron actually means 'Rose Tree'. Not what we have come to know as a Rose Tree, but there we are. Close relatives of the Heaths and Heathers, Rhododendrons are often large, colourful and extremely beautiful and at this time of year, the old gardens of Shipley Hall are filled with their colour.

With a full range of flower colours, the pinks seem to dominate, particularly round here.

Azaleas form part of the Rhododendron family and are distinguished from the 'true' Rhododendrons by having only five stamens. These pink beauties have ten.

In the warm sunshine on Shipley Hill (which has deserted us this morning in favour of rain), they make a wonderful show.