Kew... Probably the last visit for a while...

I did dither a bit about taking my weekly visit to Kew.  But I felt that as it will probably be unavailable with the spread of the coronavirus, (given I have to use public transport) for a while, I'd go.  The bus (signalling problems meant I couldn't go by train)  was definitely quieter than usual and there was less traffic on the roads. But by the time it was 10am, a queue had formed at the gate.

As always I started at my usual spot.
There was sun, (and some broody clouds) as you can see by the shadows

 I had a time slot for the orchids which had been extended to this weekend

the round bed at the top of the Broad Walk has coloured up, loving the purple/yellow combination
I didn't stop for a close look at this time though






I think I have always dashed past this in the entrance on my previous visits..

 my cousin will recognise  this cactus as she got barbs from the stem stuck in her fingers.. I was struck how the "branches" were developing

 I hadn't stopped to look at it in previous weeks

the dyed blue orchids still looking good

 I was having trouble with the lens misting up but was too impatient to wait for it to clear naturally so kept wiping it with my scarf

 the jade vine flowers were dropping

 but there are plenty still hanging.  they are fabulous aren't they!

 

 through the leaves and mangroves
there is a chinese water dragon sitting on the rock in the water

 the arches were still looking good, although  past their best now, 5 weeks on

the tunnel of carnivorous plants and orchids

 lots of the orchids were still in very good condition - these ones planted in the cool orchid room

 white rhododendron

 going to miss him!

 close up of the rhino "skin"

 couldn't not have a final view of the orangutans

 I walked round again

 farewell to the volcano

 managed a glimpse of the water dragon from the side

 and below

caught him on the phone too.

 some of the orchid  pillars are still looking fabulous

 the "feathers" of the bird at the door of the central area


(I was walking round in circles as you can see)

 the huge tree by the alpine house

 in the alpine house

 it was nearly all yellow and blue in there today

 stroll through the rock garden

so much blossom coming.   it makes me really sad to think I am going to miss so much - but hopefully will enjoy it next year!

 rain drops on an iris - had to maneuvre a leaf out of the way it was spoiling the shot

 camellias

 the giant gunnera have been unwrapped from their winter blankets and are growing fast

 flowering cherry looking gorgeous

 I walked through the cafe (having stopped to wash my hands first yes, in case I was going to eat) but didn't fancy anything on offer and couldn't be bothered to queue for a drink.


dark hellebore outside the cafe

 I retraced my steps to the Palm House

 the crown imperial fritillary  are growing up in the beds now..

 hadn't realised they were there

 planted urn (no, not along the pond Elizabeth, they're still empty)

tulips are coming out... going to  miss them too

 huge tree at the end of the rose garden

 quick walk through the Palm House.

no robins today, no water dragon

 urn at the top of the steps at the back of the Palm House,  tulips are more open here

walked round the path at the perimeter of the rose garden past blossom

 lichen covered branches

 chinese currant

 off to the magnolias

 there was somebody sitting on the ground painting or sketching (didn't go too close, I hope she was on a ground sheet it was still very muddy)

 headed over to the lake now.


the chinese goose with a 3rd baby (must have been hiding last week)

I couldn't get closer, they ran off!

into the Temperate Hosue

the amaryllis still looking pretty

 silver daisy bush

 ferns unfurling

 from the platform

 I love how this plant has (presumably) buds and flowers at the same time

 more ferns unfurling

 outside again, the tulips under the cherry trees are growing; quite a difference to last week already

 walking back along the path towards the exit

 camellia

magnolia

 a board promoting some of the upcoming events... hopefully I'll get to see this before it ends!!

 back at the Palm House beds again

 closer look (eventually!) at the purple/yellow bed at the top of the Broad Walk

I had to take a quick walk down the Broad Walk before doubling back to go home (use a different exit when travelling by bus)

more blossom just off to the right of the Broad Walk

I thought I had taken the euphorbia on camera as well, but just this from the phone


there didn't appear to be a huge amount happening different this week on the Broad Walk, so I turned and headed for home

a heavy shower concentrated my mind and I left.



It was a very strange visit today, it felt like I'd never be able to come back again, although I know that isn't the case and I just hope it isn't too long before I can return, but for safety's sake I think today must be my last visit for a while.

It took me some time to pinpoint why I felt so odd, as I don't often feel sad about things (fortunately)  so it didn't occur to me that that was what the feeling was!

Thanks for looking and see you soon!!