I wrapped up well and headed to the bus... (trains still only half hourly so timings to go, work better by bus)
despite the bus to Kingston (where I change for the second bus to Kew) taking forever - I think he was going slowly for fear of icy roads, although they weren't that bad - I was still first -just!
the sky was blue as I stood at the gate and I admired these trees over the road from Kew
there was still a heavy frost on the grass as I entered so
I took a couple of quick photos on my way to my starting point!
Despite the cold (think it was about 5 degrees C) it was beautiful and I knew I was in for a treat of a day as I mentioned at the top.
I mean, just look!
sadly the fountain was off again today
stunning reflections
the primulas in the Palm House beds were frosty - at the top end - at the far end by the start of the Broad Walk, the sun had already done it's work and melted it.
I headed down the Broad Walk - didn't want to miss the frost so rather than head into the warmth of the glasshouses I stayed outside
hellebores - at the sunny end of the Broad Walk so the frost was already melting
off to the left (as I was walking)
heavily frosted leaf
sun shining through a leaf
euphorbia sparkly with frost
cardoon leaves
the benches were frosty too!
leaf litter in the beds
signs of growth everywhere though - hope we don't get a really cold snap!
amazingly there are still a few roses hanging to the triangular structures at the corners of the beds on the Broad Walk
this was on the phone.
it looks like it's been dipped in sugar!
tree dripping with melting frost as I crossed the grass - I was going to make my way to the lake early
the waterlily house (closed for winter) sparkling in the frosty sun behind some trees..
I went to look through the windows
the patterns were on the inside.
I took a pic on my phone of the empty inside - they completely empty it to clean and overwinter the waterlilies offsite
urns at the top of the steps outside the front of the waterlily house with some vibrant colour
a favourite shot when the sun is low and the sky bright
the rose garden was very frosty too
For a minute I thought the hips had been cut back, but they were still there
looking back as I walked on towards the lake
hellebores
witch hazel
more frosty leaves in the grass
loved the sun on the witch hazel bushes
and against the sky
a fat robin sat on the branch next to me
(I rarely crop my photos, but have this time)
as I walked down the steps to the path up to the Temperate House, the huge shrub that in summer is always smothered in (wasps I think) was today smothered in these
close up
sillhouette.
I still can't see a label though!
leaf in a frozen puddle
didn't go in yet, was off to the lake! on a mission!
or go up here!
daffodils emerging under a tree
I knew it would be perfect here today.
the dogwoods on the little island, absolutely shining with light
(phone)
dogwoods to the side of the lake crossing
had to change lens for this tree to get it all in
and looked back to the lake
by the bamboo garden
went to see how the rhododendrons are progressing...
more beautiful tree trunk patterns.
the knot is just like an eye!
there were a lot more flowers out on the pink ones
I know I always say, I know you're not meant to shoot into the sun....
I was nearly back at the lake,
so I walked back right the way to the top
willow, covered in soft fluffy buds
at the far end of the lake
this was on the phone
more reflections!
it was time to head to the Temperate House
in the Temeperate House
still can't resist stopping at this
felt a bit sorry for this bird of paradise flower, it seemed to be struggling
these flowers were teeny
my lovely silver daisy bush!
up the stairs....
reflections in the water
and this is a few steps further, looking back at the same water
huge tubs in the doorways with pops of colour
the orchids were looking pretty (and not destined for the POW display, more of that soon)
still looks like a cartoon face to me!
the second one had fallen off and the "ears" were on the floor
walking back up the grass past the witch hazels
more breaking of photographic rules!
lichens on a tree branch
winter aconite, outside the Victoria Gate entrance
it was finally time for refreshments (noon! late today)
decided on a sausage roll today for extra nourishment and warmth, and hot chocolate.
it was nice, but they zap it in an oven and over-crisp it so the pastry flaked off badly.
heading back out, past the pond - had to go and check out the POW for water dragons..
there were some children feeding the gulls on the far side so they were flying around
what a view!
I went into the POW - they have started installing items for the Orchids festival.
no point asking me what things are as I don't know yet!
they were working on the centrepiece in the pond
I walked round as much of it as I could (parts were roped off where they were working) looking for water dragons, but no sign of any today
have ladder, will decorate a tower!
lots of "creatures" hanging on the mangroves
and out in the entrance space, lots of boxes of orchids.
there were also lots of parasols suspended - with "Indonesia" on - so that is obviously the inspiration this year
next door in the alpine house, the scillia flowers have really come on in a week.
the bottom flowers are opening out
I always forget they do this!
sempervivium babies
quick walk through the rock garden
and through the Evolution garden
globe artichoke seed heads
water drops (all the frost has melted now!)
on a euphorbia
another clump of snowdrops
the large tree at the top of the Broad Walk
the beds in front of the Palm House, the flowers are coming out nicely now
back down the Broad Walk. in the sun, happy now the frost had gone
tiny funghi under a tree on my way to the exit
thanks for joining me again! same time, next week?!
8 comments:
I adore the photos, but particularly love the frosty ones - nature at her finest!
Hi Helen, great photos. It's lovely the effect that frost has on everything. Have a lovely week, Angela xXx
After my visit to Kew (via your stunning photos) I need a coffee and a sit down:)
Hope you have had a lovely day. Sue
Frost makes everything beautiful doesn't it. I love the frosty leaves you captured, both the 'sugar-dipped' ones and the more subtle ones. The hellebores are stunning too. Just a lovely wander through Kew again, seen through your magical camera lens - thank you!
Diana xx
Helen your photographs are amazing, Kew Gardens is really your second home x Angela #31
I apologize for being so late visiting. I would have been here sooner, but I was so ill I didn’t even want to get out of bed, much less be on the computer. I'm also grateful for you stopping by and checking up on me when I was missing from blogland.
Wow, your usual opening shot looked simply amazing with all that frost. I knew I was in for a treat, even if I worried that I would last through it all. Brave you to "abandon" the warmth to take photos of the frost. They were magnificent. I'm surprised those roses weren't stiff and frozen.
WOW. What great shits of the waterlily house after it had been emptied. LOVED the photo of the robin on the branch.
In photo 60, that is one of those photos you could guess for months and never know what it was unless (and until) you told me.
Maybe my favorite photo of the day is 80 with the eye in the tree trunk.
Did you ever find out what the yellow flowers in front of the Palm House were called?
Thanks for sharing these. Actually, I hope to be here SOONER next week!!!
The sugary leaves, the rosehips and the mystery wasp-shrub berry heads are the highlights for me this week... oh, and those crystalline reflections in the lake. I don't think we've had a frost that heavy yet this year - we've only had one frost at all, and we're only just north of London. I'm trying to remember Saturday's weather - I don't remember all this sunshine... envious!
Thanks, as always, for sharing these amazing photos.
Alison x
What a fabulous cold and frosty morning- your photos are wonderful! Hugs,Chrisx
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