In the Botanical Gardens with Monika, Karin and Victoria Amazonica.

It was chilly, damp and generally unpleasant Monday, but we walked along the path beside the River Oker from the Theatre to the Botanical Gardens, where we found this Hydrangea blooming in spite of the sunless sky.   Karin, wearing red and Monika are standing behind the large specimen.  Behind them is a herb and spice garden, all neatly fenced in with a low, clipped hedge of Box.

We also found a warm place in which to hide, the tropical greenhouse with its huge "Victoria Amazonica" water lily.  Ahhh, so beautiful and it has a single white flower blooming.   Look carefully, Monika is waving from behind the potted plants.

The lowest photo shows two delightfully sculptured plant forms, (and me, the small but perfectly formed specimen in the middle.)   The plants are such simple forms and nestle in the verdant grass among the trees and flowers.   In spite of the cold weather we had a nice wander,  and afterwards went back to a coffee house opposite the Theatre for a cup of hot chocolate and a chat about the problems of learning our respective languages.   All in all, I had a lovely morning with two lovely friends.