Ah, the grottoes...

Kirsty Hall: Dewstow Grottoes, Aug 2009

We found these utterly magical. We were constantly seduced by the cool shade; the sudden dancing shafts of sunlight from skylights; the incredible jungle greens of the ferns and mosses and the constant soothing sound of water.

Kirsty Hall: Dewstow Grottoes, Aug 2009

There are several different grottoes at Dewstow, all connected with tunnels. Some are shady and cave-like...

Kirsty Hall: Dewstow Grottoes, Aug 2009

...while others are far more open and tropical in feel.

Kirsty Hall: Dewstow Grottoes, Aug 2009

And having fallen in love with this Victorian madness, I immediately decided that we should have a grotto at home! Just, you know, a small one...

Kirsty Hall: Dewstow Grottoes, Aug 2009

But even if I don't manage to acquire a grotto of my own, I can certainly take inspiration from Dewstow and plant more ferns.