Armistice Day at Kew - Raindrops on just about everything!

Day is Armistice Day.  The day when we remember the fallen and their families in all conflicts; the eleventh day of the eleventh month. 
I took myself to Kew, of course, especially as I missed last weekend because of the rain (typically today was also wet)
At 11am I stood and observed the two minutes' silence (I always listen to the radio with me so knew when it was time) before continuing on my way.

There were raindrops on everything... stand by for lots of photos of raindrops (now I am home, of course, the sun is coming out, just in time to set again!)

 couldn't resist this first alternative shot today
the camera doesn't capture the true colour though (we'll be back this way later and try again!)

 so not to disappoint, the traditional first shot... the primulas in the winter/spring bedding are already starting to come out

 and despite the rain (that really fine mizzly stuff that gets you wetter than you realise) still some good reflections in the pond

 and this tree was such glorious colour










with the Palm House as backdrop

 walking round the pond, the Christmas at Kew lights and viewing platforms and paraphernalia are going up (starts 22nd November)



the giant Gunnera have been cut back and the leaves are obviously left in place to protect the shoots overwinter

 raindrops on Dogwood

 raindrops again

 I captured a solitary poppy in the rain.  Posted it on FB and a friend commented, what a sad poppy.. yes, it does look sad with it's head hanging in tears!!
We Will Remember Them

 raindrops on Salvia

 am pleased with this one

 grass garden..

 mossy bark

this was above my head, so raised the camera and hoped for the best

 despite the wet day, the lights at the Hive mean there are bees active still

 a very wet floor, didn't venture in today, too slippy!

but great colour around the edges of the wild meadow around the Hive (the meadow has now been cut back for winter)

 inside the first part of the Princess of Wales glasshouse,  a great pop of colour

 on my way out the other end, in the dry desert area, the stem of this cactus caught my eye - literally with these "eyes" staring at me... will have to keep checking this.. (not a fan of cacti normally which is why I never photograph them)

 outside, it had just about decided to stop raining

 back round the Palm House again, heading for the cafe,

 I stood and observed the silence here... have failed to quite cut out the life belt from the edge of the photo (Elizabeth, I've been meaning to answer your question about these for weeks!)

 a plaque to the Fallen from Kew in both World Wars
together with a wreath from today

told you I'd get a better one!  An hour later and I'm back here..
was going to head straight past on my way, but decided I'd pop into the cafe first for something to eat...

 sustained, I could head on my way again...

camelia


can you tell where I'm going yet?

 you may be able to glimpse (especially if you enlarge the photo) the Temperate House in the background...

 a gorgeous young Acer

so so vibrant

 yay, you guessed!

 I'm just fascinated by this exhibition.

I make no apologies for repeating my visits

 walked past the Temperate House, still obviously behind it's wall to keep visitors out, work progressing a-pace, can't wait to see inside again (next Spring, patience!)

 the Pavilion restaurant closes for winter, they are using it as storage and a base to put the Christmas at Kew lights trail equipment.

 stunning colours on the rows of prunus, they look as good in autumn as they do in spring covered in blossom

 New windows all fitted with glass now

heading for Cedar Vista empty of the willow displays now
for the lake

 reflections in a puddle

 tiny berries

 pond full of leaves

more acers

 more raindrops!

 walked past - still closed (think it's a seasonal thing)

 tiny funghi

 there was a group examining this tree in fine detail, couldn't quite work out what was so fascinating on the bark and I didn't want to wait for them to go (they were not heading off in a hurry) - then I heard one of them say, "there's a man in the water"......

 but it was ok, he was meant to be... putting in the lights for the Christmas thing!

well, they are working!
change colours, too - really must make an effort to go this year!

 love how they lights reflect in the water even on a dull day... must be fabulous at night.
(I'm including them in case I don't get back when it's on )

 more mossy bark

 gulls at the Palm House

planters are still empty, think they do something with them for the Christmas at Kew display...

spent ages getting the right angles for the colour, reflections and birds...  willing them not to fly away!

 preparing to head home now, so of course there are little breaks in the cloud with light peaking through... typical (and as forecast!)

 raindrops on euphorbia

 grasses and alliums behind... sculptural still

 final raindrops! 

thanks very much for staying with me - at least you kept dry!

it was nice to get home and put dry socks on!