A sad day today as the early openings come to a close for another season... and it was pretty dark when I left home at 6.30.. noticeably more so than last week.
this was the "sun" peaking over the houses as I walked down the road (phone pic)
bit better as I arrived at the station
I was hopeful as I snatched this through the train window on the way...
although you know what they say, "red sky in the morning..."
so finally, my starting shot... the sky was by now just grey, the sun had largely disappeared.
I went down an empty Broad Walk first as usual
and then round past the alpine house
the sky was trying to brighten up
the salvia border alongside the edge of the Rock Garden
into the evolution garden
and the pumpkins and squashes in the vegetable plot, lifted off the damp soil
lots of varieties of tomatoes, these ones were large!
they use companion planting to stop pests -
the tagetes (french marigolds) were gorgeous
Rudbeckia still looking fab
especially with the purple next to them
the robin was foraging for food, but flew off as I tried to get closer
the trees seem to have turned much more autumnal since last wee
two swans were preening at the side of the Palm House pond
back near the entrance, more signs of autumn (this is always a stunning seasonal favourite) - right by Sapphire Star
rosehips
I was amazed to see geese seemingly breaking open the horse chestnuts
looks totally different under a cloudy sky, but still impressive
I headed towards the lake via the path near the treetop walkway
the rain has partly flattened most of the colchicums but there were a few still upright
walking under the trees that surround the walkway, lots of colour going on
at the side of the lake
these geese seemed to be having trouble achieving lift off!
I walked round the side of the lake and on the other side saw the lady I usually see at the gate, feeding the cygnets..
even on a dull day, with a clear lake you get good reflections.
I arrived at the cygnets but my friend had gone
still the whole family of 7
I walked down Cedar Vista and just past the tiny pond I spied a patch of colour round the side.
some gorgeous dark pink anemones
berries
near the Japanese garden, the acers are wonderful.
the sun tried to come out to light up the Floats
but the grey behind the Pagoda won out
more berries
the refurbished Pavilion restaurant, not open yet, but I went to investigate the colour...
the kept the vines outside from before, as they are really old and always gorgeous at this time of year
just enough light to make them look fabulous
so shiny!
and grapes as well
as I crossed the grass towards the Lime Crystal Tower (jelly cubes!)
the sun illuminated a patch of leaves on the grass..
as I said on FB when I posted this, "when you see a pile of leaves, you have to scuffle"
It wasn't only me either, there was another girl (younger than me, but still probably in her 30s) doing the same....
I headed to the cafe for "breakfast" - red velvet loaf again and a rather full coffee.
yes, it's disposable. they charge a premium if you don't bring your own cup to compensate for the single use cup... but they are compostable
(this was a feature of a FB chat whilst I was there!)
I need a bigger camera bag, then I can take my own cup!
the beds at the Palm House as I headed inside
these were next to a label that said Pandanus balfourii so I assume this is them
where it was steamy hot, just being watered!
time for the Waterlily house
I took these from the low down angle
there were lots of flowering waterlilies
and some long gourds
I walked round through the rose garden past the back door of the Palm House (just glistening with a streak of sun)
towards the Temperate House
the Icicle Tower looks better today...
as I looked at the Cypress trees I noticed these webs high up in amongst the leaves
paper mulberry - think I've missed the best of this!
has a gorgeous trunk
I walked by these again, peeking through the shrubs
as I headed round the corner, the leaves are turning on the flowering cherry trees, now they match the Chihuly!
in the Temperate House
the window sills in the connecting octagon, are full of chrysanthemums, I guess there is a new display coming1
love these ones
sad to think this is only going to be here for another month....
when your plants grow tall, you hose tall!
a good view from on top
as I walked round the front, I could hear a goose...
walking down the grass back to the Palm House, this smaller one seemed to be saying ..."what you looking at"
I sat for a few minutes rest
at the top of the Broad Walk, a shaft of sun hit the two blocks of flats (apartments)
into the Princess of Wales glasshouse, finally it was time to hunt for water dragons!
first I found a large cactus flowering
the waterlily pads from the side
no water dragon down this side today
up top, there was just one large passion flower this week
managed to get in closer underneath with the phone
found one, sitting on the branch that looks much too small to support him..
he's using his feet to hang on (and his tail to balance but I couldn't catch that)
As I was taking these, a girl (woman) came up with her own camera (and tripod, how professional!) and asked if I'd seen any water dragons, I pointed it out
they really do camouflage well!
I stood aside and let her take her shots - she was there ages, i walked round a couple of times looking for water dragons in the other places we often see them, and both she and the dragon were still there!
I went on my way
there's a new flush of flowers on the grevillea
and some yellow ones
back on the Broad Walk now
fading beauties...
love the stems too
Huge tree turning yellow, hiding Kew Palace in the background
at the bed by the exit/entrance
lots of activity on the river
thanks very much for looking.
next week we all get a lie in as I won't be going out til 8am!!
they use companion planting to stop pests -
