Kew - travel the world

 Kew is treating us to a holiday like no other as most people have been unable to take a real one this year.  so at the end of the post is a set of photos of  specially commissioned works from around the world

It was cold and drizzling when I left home and although the rain stopped it didn't warm up 

my new starting point after the Palm House is the evolution garden which is still full of colour, if some of it is going over now

Physalis - later in the year they will turn skeleton like 

I love them 

astrantia, gorgeous colour 

as well as travel the world, Kew is also showcasing a floral humpback whale from a Netflix series Big Flower Fight (no idea, I don't have Netflix)

I forgot to look at it last week

situated on the lawn outside the Orangery

it is described as a living sculpture 

well I guess the sempervivium on the back are living

and I did like how the silvery foliage plants looked like water splashing 

because I was following the map to find the travel pieces I was walking in a different order to usual.

along the Broad Walk was next

but once again new blogger is insisting on adding the photos out of order!

the sun tried to come out as I got to the lake

my route took me to the far edge of the gardens

with a view of the Thames

and I found myself at Lion Gate (lion on the gate at the exit.  this is the furthest exit and not one I have ever used, 

but I loved the building just outside the entrance with it's stylish chimneys

I headed back towards the next exhibit

these trees were huge and a great shape

part of an archway over the path 

(you've seen it before but I love it

huge mushroom/toadstool

we've had lots of rain recently, it has obviously encouraged the funghi to think it's autumn

I crossed the grass to the Temperate House where they had just opened the doors.

the tall yellow flowers in the distance are un-attainable with the limited access which is a shame as I love them

as I walked along the central path you CAN use, I was astonished to see several groups of funghi in the flower beds along the path

lots of different colours and shapes 

pretty lantana 

walking backup the grass to the Palm House 

this was a huge one

I did walk through the Palm House but the photos were too misty as the lens wouldn't stay cleared

I had similar trouble in the waterlily house too

but got some useable shots

as I headed back to the cafe for a drink I noticed the main fountain - "my" fountain - was on although with only a low spray

nice to see though

flowers (I think ) of the  gunnera under the leaves

it was decidedly chilly - windy -  and spits of rain for coffee and cake (raspberry and white chocolate again)  but there are no indoor eating seats at present here

(some of the other cafes do)

so I didn't linger

I walked back round the pond towards the Princess of Wales glasshouse

no sign of the weater dragon today

but the wall the other side to where he was last week was being splashed by the mini water fall

bright pink bottle brush

as always I have to stop at the grevillea 

next stop towards the alpine house

I love purple and red together!

Now, time to travelthe world...

ten commissioned pieces

I tried to capture the entire work in one picture. not sure if you wil be able to read it all though

 

this is the welcome

now let's travel

South Africa 

Australia 

Argentina

Spain

Himalayas

UK

California

Japan

China

Canada

Phew, think we've made it home from our whistle stop tour of the world  

thanks for looking