Budapest

I recently visited Budapest and besides exploring this city and all its stunning sights, views, architecture and the Danube River, I also kept an eye open for plants and flowers like I always do. We visited in late September, the weather and temperature echoed very similar to ours here in England. We enjoyed beautiful warm sunny days with perfect temperatures for walking and exploring and then cooler nights as the sun descended over the Danube River.

There were beautiful arrays of flowers flanking the riverside, similar again to our own plants here at this time of year - autumnal mixes of bright orange marigolds and deep red begonias, rose beds and daphnes surrounding the parliament buildings that make the iconic view on the edge of the river. 

The trees hadn't quite turned in readiness for autumn, but looked stunning against the frame of light stone architecture and along the tree lined avenues. Banks of ornamental grasses formed a soft edge to the spectacular buildings in their background - it was difficult to distinguish which was more breathtaking the architecture standing grand and tall or the swathes of frothy grasses that swayed in the breeze before them. 

One of my favourite places was Maragaret Island and its beautiful parkland and gardens. Set in the middle of the Danube River and accessed across the Margaret Bridge. The first thing we were drawn to was the waterfall garden. We sat and quietly watched the waterfall for a while and when we decided to make a move and explore further, suddenly we were taken by surprise - loud music started and the waterfalls started dancing. We sat back down smiling - warm sunshine, beautiful sights, then happy music and dancing waterfalls like a firework display. What more could you want to bring a little fun and happiness to the day?

Firey red hot poker plants surrounded the waterfalls adding even more brightness to the scene and the water cascades reaching high to the backdrop of the trees. 

Then more fun and laughter. How do you explore around this tranquil, green oasis when you've already been wandering and exploring for miles while you've been heading towards it without wearing yourself out? We were hoping for a romantic and peaceful horse and carriage ride - that's what the guide book had informed us. But no, not a horse and carriage in sight, so we plumped for a bicycle carriage made for two - something of a cross between a tandem and a pedallo. That turned out to be great fun as we pedalled and steered our way through the pathways and explored the beautiful gardens, woodlands and monuments. Aching legs later were well worth it for all the light hearted fun and happiness. 

The gardens still refelected summer time with salvias, verbenas and typical late August plants, but there were touches of autumnal colours, golds, browns and oranges of rubekias, marigolds and ornamental grasses. All very beautiful. 

Each evening, the sun would set above the river, the pink and purple hues accentuating and silhouetting the hills of Buda in contrast to the flat ground of Pest. Then the whole city would light up as dusk fell - more breathtaking views in every direction, especially from the superbly lit Chain Bridge. The bridge links the two sides of the city - Buda and Pest - and offers views stretching in all directions across the river and beyond to the Hungarian Parliament Buildings, the Royal Palaces, basilicas and churches. Simply stunning.