Hi, once again it was Kew - a 9am start for half term and storm Aiden was threatening to land over the UK during the day...in fact parts of it were already affected.
a few more of the beds in front of the Palm House have been planted upand the fountain was on it's timer again
there were workmen in, getting the lights for Kew at Christmas installed (bit dubious as to how this is going to be possible in a Covid-friendly way but we'll see...)
the face sculpture from the back, as I walked along the little woodland path behind it
the face sculpture from the back, as I walked along the little woodland path behind it
I went through into the rock garden - the acer has lost most of it's leaves since last week,
but this beaded clematis on the wall was pretty
the pink nerines were colourful,
the the scillia still fascinate me
outside the grass garden was blowing in the wind
I love the colours on these leaves
as I got to the Broad Walk, the tree on the other side stopped me in my tracks
the carpet of leaves on the grass was gorgeous too
this is another huge beauty!
the acers I found last week again
there were patches of blue in the sky this week not that you can tell from this photo... but just wait a bit
the wind blew just as I took this, walking under the branches - fab!
as I walked through the fallen leaves,
I stopped for raindrops (obviously)
but had to go up close to these beautiful maples
just love them
and indeed, less than 5 minutes later as i reached the lake, it was already changing
there were lots of birds on the water, geese and gulls mainly
I walked up towards the pagoda (trying to shoot over the heads of the kids in the
looking through the pine trees back in the direction of the lake
avoiding the path forming the half term holiday "gruffalo trail" (which was busy) I found myself at the woodland area - I missed the bluebells this year obviously as Kew was closed..I got to the Japanese Garden
and tried to wait for this couple to move away.... they were in the moment...
I put my hood up but had to resort to the umbrella too (my small workday one, not the huge Kew one)
to things now got cumbersome and tricky, photography-wise!
I decided to head for the Temperate house and shelter, quick!
but I got distracted first
you would not believe the trouble I had with these berries, they just would not focus
inside the Temperate House, a beautiful pair of bird of paradise flowers
the passion flowers in the middle octagon
above my head, so tricky
we were directed to turn right this week round the main path
the green netting is around machinery for the lights at Kew going up
now I did change lenses ready for my indoors pics
but then I could walk round the main exhibits
you can see my reflecting if you look closely and someone "inside" it too
I had a good look at the works on the walls round the edge of the room
you can see my reflecting if you look closely and someone "inside" it too
I had a good look at the works on the walls round the edge of the room
they are really gorgeous even if they depict the destruction of our planet
back outside it was still raining so I headed for the path to the main entrance, thinking Imight have a drink
more evidence of the light trail by the big trees
at the junction with the path by the entrance the huge smoke tree made me stop, had to juggle the umbrella
but it was worth getting wetter
I went to the loo then headed round the pond, intending to go into the Princess of Wales glasshouse before home (abandoned the idea of a drink)
this is the other side of the tree from my first look at the pond earlier... it looks very different this side
very wet now, I wasn't going to stop much longer
very wet now, I wasn't going to stop much longer
and, indeed I nearly didn't go inside, there were quite few people at the entrance, all wanting to get out of the rain
but they cleared soon and I was able to overtake them!
he was the other side of a barrier barring us from walking through part of the POW
so the bars were in the way
and we weren't socially distanced either, as we tried to get our pictures.
but I only stopped for a couple of minutes
and we were all masked
I stopped briefly for the gravillea too
before making a wet dash for the station - to find 2 trains cancelled and a half hour wait....
then missed my connection and had another half hour wait!!
as I finish this, the prime minister is about to make a press announcement with a possibility of full lockdown, so may not be allowed back to Kew for a few weeks... we'll see!
so tillnext time... thanks for looking!
7 comments:
Oh bless dodging raindrops is never fun but your trip looks lovely xxxx
Had I not enlarged your first photo, I would have thought the leaves that have fallen in the beds were actually flowers. DUH!
How surprising to see the face sculpture from the back. Seems plants and shrubs dying back pit a very different "face" on things.
You can feel the movement in the grass garden. You really captured it nicely. Lots of beautiful reds and yellows in the leaves, including the ones on the grass, too. Those fungi are amazing. You captured the leaves on the lake well, too.
I can't believe the couple in the Japanese Garden weren't wearing masks, but I guess they felt safe with each other.
There are times I simply CANNOT get something to focus, no matter how hard I try. I can empathize with yur red berries, which I thought turned out great anyway.
I think photo 118 of you and the person inside the circle may be my favorite photo today.
It was SO good to see the Chinese water dragon. Glad you and everyone taking the same photos were masked, too. It's some great photos showing at least one of the dragons is still around. Thanks for taking us on this really soggy trip to Kew in the rain, dear.
Great pics Helen. Thanks for sharing, Angela xXx
Great pics Helen. I always feel like I've just visited Kew myself when I look at your photos, Heather xx
I feel as though you can really feel the approach of November and winter in these photos - the grey, damp chill (despite that short break in the clouds with the blue sky beyond). It's still beautiful of course, but I did have a little shiver as I scrolled!
Alison x
A little bit of blue sky each day and I'm happy! Sorry you got so wet on some of your visits, although raindrops on plants always look good! So pleased you saw the water dragon. The colours have been amazing and the reflections are wonderful!
I'd like to think we could get to Kew before the exhibition finishes but I doubt it's going to be possible!
The Lily pond house was my favourite when we visited last year, how lovely to have it to yourself!
We are already well on our way to December and the way time is flying you will soon be able to visit again!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this look back at your visits.
Take care, Hugs, Chris
Despite the rain you captured some absolutely stunning Autumn colours there! Gorgeous photos as always. I hope you are able to visit again soon x
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