So, last week we learned that Paddy and Plunkett had taken a trip (another one!) to the south-west of England. And since they were in the neighbourhood, I got in touch to ask them a special favour… I’ve wanted to see the Eden Project for YEEEEEAAARS, so would they please go, and take lots of pictures?
Done and done!
“Here we are! Greetings from Eden!”
“Woooooaaaah! Look at this place, Plunkett!”
“Yes, it’s incredible! I wonder what that is over there? Looks… Spiky.”
“Must be the Cactus House, I suppose!”
Paddy should probably have looked at the guidebook. It’s actually the “Core” zone, an exhibition and learning centre. It was closed that day while they updated the exhibition… But I suppose that just means that the boys have an excuse to go back another day! Besides, it seems like there was plenty to see elsewhere… First stop, the Mediterranean Biome!
Stunning… Look at all that green! It would be easy to lose a pair of mossy-coloured Beasties in the middle of all that. Fortunately, Paddy is never one for blending into the background. And surprise surprise, he’s “accidentally” stumbled on the vineyard… Where there seems to be a bit of a party going on!
“Hey, Plunkett, come and join the party! Wow, I bet Tammie and Finn would love this – it’s just like one of Tammie’s books!”
The Mediterranean Biome isn’t just home to European flora, either. There are plants in here that hail from temperate zones all over the world, including North America, South Africa and Western Australia. Paddy was excited to find this visitor from Down Under – a grass tree, potentially stuffed full of nutritious witchetty grubs!
“Plunkett! I’ve fixed lunch for us!”
Wait a sec, where’s Plunkett? Has he literally run a mile from Paddy’s idea of a nice picnic?
Nope – turns out he’s just moved on to the jungly climes of the Rainforest Biome! Billed as the world’s largest captive rainforest, this 50m tall bubble holds exotic plants and trees from South America, West Africa, Southeast Asia and the tropical islands. I think this is much more his scene, don’t you?
The Eden Project is built in a former clay pit, one which was conveniently nearing the end of its clay-producing life when creator Tim Smit was on the lookout for the perfect home for his next big venture. The pit actually dictated the shape of the biomes – they became “bubbles” so that their edges could hug the irregular surface left behind by years of clay extraction! And the claypit walls are still very much part of the Eden experience. A spiral path meanders around them, gradually bringing you up to the very top of the dome!
Ready? Let’s start climbing!
Of course, Paddy was the first to take a peek over the edge.
“Wow! Those humans look Beastie-sized from up here!”
But they’re not at the top yet! They have plenty more bridges to cross…
… And so much more to see! But you’ll have to wait until next week to find out what surprises were lurking in the forest!
Meanwhile, we’ll be back on Friday with a more down-to-earth monster adventure. See you then!
What an amazing and interesting place!!! I visited their webpage and the pictures from above are just breathtaking!
And I just love the dancing in the vineyard …. 😀
Ohhhhhh yeah! I’m so glad the boys managed to squeeze a visit into their trip… And trust Paddy to find where the party was! They’re cool sculptures, aren’t they? Cheers for popping in, Ivonne!
Yes, super cool!
How cool!!!!! Jeez louise, that sure beats the new Temperate House we visited at Kew Gardens on Sunday. Hahaha and I love that they stumbled upon the Illamos Valley! *Osteria humour* Thanks for sharing!
Ha! I do love a dash of Osteria humour! 😀 That’s a shame about the Temperate House though – I heard on the radio that it reopened and I was excited to see it! Last time I was in Kew it was closed, so I made do with taking spooky pictures of the delapidated interior though the windows. Maybe that was actually better! Cheers for stopping by, Weekes!
Well, I’m being unnecessarily negative of course… it was lovely but needs about decade to start growing! I must admit, I think I would have preferred spooky and dilapidated–but that’s just me!!! Oh, and I forgot to voice my appreciate of your Beastified Steinbeck title haha 🙂
Oh no! Well, maybe the plants will surprise us all, and have the place taken over in no time. But I suppose the effect that day was a bit like being in the world’s busiest garden centre! Thanks for noticing the title too… I practically screamed with joy when I realised I could use it! 😁
I have never been to the Eden Project either so appreciate the Beastie tour. I would love to go some time.
Thanks, Laura! I’d love to get there myself someday too, but a Beastie tour will sate my appetite for the time being! 😀 Cheers for stopping by!
That looks like an amazing place and I loved seeing the Beasties dancing with the sculptures! Thanks for another great tour 🙂
You’re welcome, Tierney! It’s just like Paddy to find a party wherever he goes! More pics next week, too, so stay tuned 😀 Thanks for popping in!
What a fascinating site. Aren’t biomes so much fun. Short of taking a 20+ hour flight around the world, they’re such a wonderful way to experience faraway plant life. I like that grass tree and its grubs. Who’s up for a grub sandwich? 😉
Mmm, deeee-licious! 😋 And yes, while I do enjoy a good botanical garden, this takes things to a whole new level. I reeeeally hope Paddy and Plunkett take me with them next time! Thanks for joining us, Shirley! 😀
I’d love to visit the Eden project! For now I shall be satisfied with visiting vicariously through Paddy and Plunkett. Paddy especially does have a unique view of things!
Thanks, Hannah! Like you, I’m letting the Beasties do most of the travelling for me lately… But the Eden Project really does look awesome, doesn’t it? I reeeeally want to go now!Thanks for stopping in! 😀