It was always going to be a long day; so much to see and so much to do, we needed to plan carefully and with military precision. We promised ourselvesContinue readingA Proper London Day Out
Yesterday I went to the National Portrait Gallery in London; it was fabulous! My main objective was to get into the ground floor Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize Exhibition – a veryContinue readingNational Portrait Gallery, London
Chiswick is not a particularly famous corner of the world; a district of west London, and part of the London Borough of Hounslow[3] it contains Hogarth’s House, the former residence of the 18th-century EnglishContinue readingChiswick salmon en croute
We went on a family trip to London to see some important relatives; there was an undisputed star of the show – and he was crowned, King Henry of BrentfordContinue readingKing Henry of Brentford
We visited the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew this week. It was everything we were hoping it would be, and more besides. Located near to family, it seemed an afternoon strollingContinue readingRoyal Botanical Gardens, Kew
Kew is a fabulous place to enjoy an afternoon with family.
in fact, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. An internationally important botanical research and education institution, it employs 750 staff.[2] Its chief executive is the current Director, Richard Deverell.[3] Its board of trustees is chaired by Marcus Agius, a former chairman of Barclays PLC.[4]You may need this or the App on your phone to find your way aroundI liked these concrete steps, very 70's
The organisation manages botanic gardens at Kew in Richmond upon Thames in southwest London, and at Wakehurst Place, aNational Trust property in Sussex which is home to an internationally important Millennium Seed Bank. The Seed Bank is also the site of multiple research projects[5] and international partnerships with at least 80 countries.[6] Seed stored at the bank fulfils two functions: it provides an ex situ conservation resource and also facilitates research around the globe by acting as a repository for seed scientists. Kew also operates, jointly with the Forestry Commission, Bedgebury Pinetum in Kent, which specialising in growing conifers.
The treetop walk gave a fantastic view across to the large greenhouses that were being renovated. As well as providing a viewing platform for the constant bombardment of huge jets cruising down into Heathrow, 10 miles beyond.
A large jet every 30 seconds approx..These greenhouses are amazingDon't look downLots for youngsters, and adults alikeTree top walk is not for those who don't do heights
The lillies lillies in this greenhouse were amazing
Water lillies at Kew Gardens Sunday 3rd May 2015 Leica M, Summilux 50mm f1.4 ASPH, f1.4, 1/1,000 sec, ISO 200
Some wildlife was also on hand to observe proceedings
This chap was very keen to say hello
The cacti in the Prince of Wales Greenhouse were stunning
More cactusa great cactus collection, as you would expect
To cap off the trip, a nice cuppa and slice of cheesecake in the Kew cafe is highly recommended after all that walking.
Nice cheesecake and a coffee at the Kew Greenhouse cafe
I hope you enjoyed this post, I will be adding some more plants when I have sifted through all my pictures from a fabulous weekend