Saturday, November 11, 2017

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!





6 comments:

craftimamma said...

Fabulous post Helen. Different qualities to the photos in the different light and with all the lovely raindrop jewels. Love the photo of the gulls on the planters. Your patience paid off! So many gorgeous colour shades still and the grass garden looked amazing. Thanks for getting wet on our behalf.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Happy Armistice Day, dear Helen. What an incredible place to be able to stop and observe the two minutes of silence. The poppy you shared is rather reminiscent of the day and its sad meaning, isn't it? The memorial to the Fallen is beautiful, as is the wreath.

The primulas is looking good. Everything looks so green and lovely. I see the urns have still not been filled, but the views across the lake more than make up for their nakedness. I'm glad you took so much time to share the photos of the gulls on the urns, and I look forward to them (the urns, not the gulls) being filled (hopefully) for Christmas at Kew.

I was glad you explained the Gunnera, because I thought they were little tents. Guess the dying leaves will act like that, at least.

OMgosh. I absolutely adore the photos you took with "your" fountain in the background. They are stunning and the trees that are slowly turning colors are outstanding. Thanks for letting me know those are life belts.

I really enjoyed the various photos of the restoration of the Temperate House.

It's always fun to see the belly of the beast, so to speak. Seeing the back of the Pavilion restaurant was enjoyable, and not your typical shot. Thanks for sharing it.

I could go on and on and on, but I am sure you are aware how much I enjoyed this day with you at Kew. It was a wonderful post, filled with incredible shots. I hope you are now warm and safe at home, possibly snuggled under a blanket, remembering, remembering, remembering.

Miriam said...

I can't think of a more reflective place to spend Armistice day....I love the autumnal colours...looks relaxing and calm!

Neet said...

Who needs to visit Kew when they have Helen. Congratulations on yet another stunning set of photographs. It would be hard to choose a favourite, or even the top three.
I love the raindrop ones, and the reflections in particular, oh and the lovely autumnal tree colours. Love the reflection in the third one down after the man in the water especially.
So many wonderful photographs Helen, you are simply the best. Thank You!
Hugs, Neet xx

Artmadnana said...

Fabulous varied photos again Helen. Thankyou for my weekly trip to Kew! I love the raindrops photos and that evocative drooping poppy head on Armistice day. Powerful. The colours, especially the acers, are just beautiful!

Christine said...

I so love Kew - did I tell you I am going to see it IRL one day!
Thanks you so much for taking so many wonderful photos, I love seeing the changing seasons.