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- Wendy Humphries. Photos: Alamy, Alex Cousins, Apex, James Linsell-Clark, Katielee Arrowsmith/Swns

Travelling to exotic destinations may not be possible right now, but a visit to Cornwall’s Eden Project could be the next best thing. The latest additions are two gardens full of the floral wonders of South Africa.

In partnership with South African conservation organisations, the project developed a South African Garden in the Mediterranean Biome. As part of this, seeds from endangered plants have been carefully selected, sown and grown here. Among the stand-out plants are three different species of cone bush, part of the Proteaceae family which defines South Africa’s fynbos (fine bush) habitats.

The garden is being transformed this summer with a brand new planting and walking trail, highlighting the country’s incredible biodiversity.

Rosie Henstridge, Living Landscapes Technician, said: ‘We have an opportunity to inspire our visitors with some great stories of ecological conservation and the benefits it brings to communities and this beautiful and meaningful new display is a great example.’

Outdoors, next to the Rainforest Biome, you can visit Eden’s new sister garden inspired by the Veld, a wide range of habitats from the mountains to the coast. Among the botanical stars are proteas, aloes, red hot pokers and a plethora of late summer bulbs such as Amaryllis belladonna, hesperanthas and nerines.

For more details visit edenproject.com

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