Saturday, February 6, 2016

It's Orchid Time again at Kew


When I last went two or three weeks ago, they were starting to get things in place... today is the official opening of the annual Orchid Display and so I set off to make sure I was there as soon as the gates opened (wind and drizzly rain not putting me off)   Luckily unlike last week, I made it (disaster of an attempted journey, replacement bus service, broken down trains... gave up and came home)

So, I spent a very happy couple of hours among the carnival Brazil themed Orchid Display... 200 photos later I'm home.... sit back and enjoy!

A mixture of airplants and orchids hanging above your head
 the centrepiece of the pond is a series of carnival headdress inspired displays in different colours..
I would have loved to have been able to get in amongst them for some close ups!

 view from the back, I love the fluffy fans!


 archways, dripping with plants
 Back round to the beginning, this time viewed from above up some steps

















 more archways

closeups...



so many different varieties!
this was darker in real life, a gorgeously rich opulent black-purple.















and these white ones were teeny!




I could have gone on for hours (I did... and I will go back again...)
 back outside, into the very windy but luckily not raining gardens...

carpets of crocus appearing
 very grey skies!
 the dogwood looks great against such a grey backdrop though
daffodils coming out too
the dogwood from the other side of the lake - loving the shapes of the trees against the grey skies
 in a few weeks this flowering cherry will be glorious!
 catkins
 the geese are enjoying the blossoming gardens too.
 fabulous shapes in tree trunks, this is from where a branch has fallen

 More great shapes of branches











and these steps leading up from the rhododendran glade (they are coming into bloom already)
and carpets of daffodils too.


hope you enjoyed the trip - it was fabulous there today!

11 comments:

Little Arty Journeys said...

Yes - I did enjoy the trip very much - thank you. What gorgeous colours, shapes and patterns!

snazzyoriginal said...

Amazing displays but the bare trees and the dogwood get me every time. Love sharing your trips but a bit brave in today's weather x

Lauren Hatwell said...

Just beautiful. Thanks for the virtual tour Helen. Lx

craftimamma said...

Loved it thank you Helen! So glad you haven't had the weather we've had all day as I really doubt you would have gone. Beautiful photos for us to enjoy once again!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Kirsten said...

Glad you got there today, thanks for the photos, displays are stunning.

Kyla said...

Oh these are wonderful. The fans are particularly lovely. Not been to Kew for about a year loved the tree top walk but this weekend would have been too windy!!

Glad you had a lovely day
Kyla

Kyla said...

Oh these are wonderful. The fans are particularly lovely. Not been to Kew for about a year loved the tree top walk but this weekend would have been too windy!!

Glad you had a lovely day
Kyla

sam21ski said...

Gosh that was a very colourful experience - thank you x
I have no idea why but the post hasn't shown up in my Blogger feed yet, had to get to it through your FB post!!!
Glad I found it though, great photos as ever xx

Neesie said...

Ooh what a gloriously colourful post Helen, I've never been to Kew (something I must rectify) so that you for showing me round.
I have a few orchids that I'm proud to say are flowering much to my surprise and delight. I've also got Dogwood and I love how they brighten up a winter border.
Have a fabulous week 😊 🌸 📷

pearshapedcrafting said...

Wow! What an amazing display! I do love orchids and I have never been to Kew so this is a real treat Helen! Hugs, Chrisx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I felt like I'd just taken a trip to Carnival during Mardi Gras and didn't have to leave home to do it. These fan shapes were simply incredible. I adored the orchids, too. I felt so drawn to these photos, they were simply fantastic.

Outside was such a contrast to the colorful inside of the Orchid house. The grey sky was perfect for photos. It's amazing that winter hasn't even arrived here (except for a week or so), and it's already looking like spring there. The rains must have been very good for these grounds and gardens.

Again, a lovely day and trip.