Ana Rita Moreira

I trained as a landscape gardener and the Crystal Palace gardens are where I put that training to use on camera, even though the original glass palace no longer stands. On camera I follow the terraced lawns down toward the river, pointing out the peacocks that have lived here for decades and the view over the Douro that opens up partway down. I explain what replaced the original 19th-century structure and why the gardens kept the old name regardless. I keep a relaxed pace throughout, since the gardens reward wandering more than a fixed route. I answer questions about the planting and the view equally happily.