The greenhouse is quite beautiful, and retains its Victorian charm. Stepping inside feels like setting foot in another world. The climate goes from cold to hot and muggy, the colors from bright green to a saturated rainbow framed by weather worn wood, and the flat overcast light filters through the crowded trees and glass panes to create dappled patters. For a few seconds, I was so startled I just had to stand there and take it all in. Afterwards, we took time to wander around and get a better look at everything (and some pictures too).
Malcom
This sign is posted at the front of the greenhouse, and reads:
Have you seen him?
Do not be afraid
He does not mean you any harm,
but is merely taking shelter in the dark recesses of the Palm House.
We don't really know where he came from as he has different body parts. Can you see his giant quid tentacles? Do you think he came from space, a subterranean burrow or an oceanic shelf? Os it a female and maybe has laid eggs that will hatch and there will be more?
There are birds that visit the inside of the Palm House regularly and some rabbits have been known to come in and see him. They have become friends.
The people who know him well call him Malcom and he is very happy and friendly.
Wondering what this could possibly be, we looked around, and it took us a while to find him.....
The sign in front of Malcom concludes by asking "would you like to see more of these beasts in the Palm House?" and I for one, certainly would.