WHATEVER the weather, a tropical treat awaits you at Staunton Country Park in Havant. Exotic plants from all over the globe flourish all the year round in the park's glasshouses.

At this time of year, there are many flowers to be seen, including bright-coloured hibiscus and bird of paradise flowers (strelitzia).

In the lily house, there are giant water-lily pads floating on an indoor pond, while the temperate house has fruit trees laden with lemons, limes and oranges.

Other crops rarely seen in this country are also on display, including tea plants, sugar cane, coffee plants, paw paw, black pepper, ginger, pineapple and even rice.

Among the many palm trees are bananas and coconuts. There is also a fern room and an arid house with sizeable cacti and succulents.

Park Manager Russell Cleaver said: "At all times of year, there are always items of interest in the glasshouses. However cold or wet it may be outside, they are always warm and welcoming."

The historic glasshouses were re-opened in 1993 as part of the ongoing restoration of the park - in the 19th century, the 1,000-acre estate belonged to a prominent politician and adventurer, Sir George Staunton.

After voyaging to the Far East, he was inspired to create his own "garden of delights" in Hampshire, complete with a menagerie of animals and rare plants and trees, which he collected on his travels.

The restored glasshouses are based on Sir George's original designs, while the walled gardens, the parkland, the farm buildings and mysterious "follies" are all being meticulously refurbished.

Particularly striking are the oval garden and farmhouse, which have been restored in Regency style. The farmhouse has now become a tea room.

Children particularly enjoy the ornamental farm, which has an assortment of domestic animals, including horses, sheep, pigs, ducks and chickens. Children can feed and stroke these tame animals, which include some rare and historic breeds.

Across the road from the ornamental farm and gardens is Leigh Park Gardens, an extensive area of parkland that was originally part of Sir George's "pleasure grounds".

This lovely parkland has many specimen trees and there is a lake with islands, bridges and follies to explore - well worth a visit.

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