Wet spring leads to Eden 'explosion of colour'

Recent weather has caused lavender to bloom "later than usual"

An area of Cornwall's Eden Project has benefited from recent weather, resulting in an impressive lavender display, staff say.

Managers said the warm, wet spring had led to an "explosion of summer colour" near the attraction's stage, with lavender blooming "later than usual".

The attraction said: "The flowering would normally be finished by now, but visitors over the summer holidays have a rare opportunity to see and smell the swathe of lush purple as it buzzes with bees and other pollinators."

It added that its carnivorous plant exhibits in its gardens had also benefitted from the conditions.

Gardeners said carnivorous plants had also benefitted from the recent weather

The project said although its outdoor gardens were "bursting with vibrant colours, sweet scents and natural beauty", increasing weather extremes were also a cause for concern.

Outdoor gardens manager Julie Kendall said: “It is wonderful to see our gardens flourishing this summer, but, as gardeners, concerns about the climate are never far from our minds.

“The extra wet spring has really helped our lavender and carnivorous exhibits, but also brings new challenges.

"It has been tricky to predict sowing times, meaning yield has been lower for some crops, and an increase in slugs has been just one of the many issues facing gardeners across the UK.

“The changing climate has a significant effect on what grows in our gardens and how those plants behave.

"Our work at the Eden Project – in the gardens and beyond – is to demonstrate positive action for the planet, including the ways we can help stabilise the climate.”