Kew before Christmas

There was time for Kew today as the gifts are all wrapped and ready for the big day... but let's face it there would always have been time for Kew!

once again I was probably more wrapped up than I needed to be- but it was drizzly as we waited to be let in

we decided to walk a different way round this week, so from my opening shot,  headed left here, towards the lake.

whilst there is still some green on the trees (and the grass is always green)  it seemed there may not be much colour to be had today...

the ground was quite squelchy, too.  there's been a fair amount of overnight rain this week

as we got to the lake, we took the path to our left- and spotted a heron on the other bank, typically

I didn't have the long lens to get a better/closer shot

at the lake crossing now

not enough light through the cloud for reflections this week

at the far end of the lake we saw another heron

it took off - my reaction times are not good, missed it taking to the air

we took the path to the bird feeder area as Kim had some food for them...

the blue (great?) tits came down for the fat on the bench.    they are very flitting and hard to catch in focus... I got a couple, just

Kim spotted Goldie hiding in the tree -  but wasn't to be tempted down, so we didn't get to see him closer.

I bet as soon as we left, he was down!

what with storms and things, it's been afew weeks since we came here,  we were surprised to see that the area round the bird feeders had been hugely cut back, and along the path too.  

Normally we see lots of squirrels and green parakeets and robins here, but today, just the tits.

heading back towards the small pond

this tree was covered in lichen

the growth round the pond had been cut back hard, too.

but there were some reflections here

the main hydrangeas have been cut back, but behind the beds where they are are a few dotted amongst trees,  they were still looking good in skeleton form

we cut across more soggy grass to the eating area outside the back of the Temperate House on the lights trail,

bauble selfie time again

in the Temperate House

the rare and extinct displays are still in the two octagons 

this is a blue amaryllis.,  shame it wasn't in flower

trying an arty shot through the round parts of the pillars 

when we left the Temperate House we crossed to the Winter Garden - the bright colours of the dogwoods was visible from miles away

I love the way they spread up the slopes

I was bending down to photograph the hellebores

which were looking gorgeous

there are only white ones out so far 

walking round the path up the slopes,  between the dogwoods

edgworthia

mahonia 

the witch hazel are starting to flower

skimmia

by now we were feeling peckish..... 

hot chocolate and spiced apple cake for me,  we ate inside (the tables outside the Victoria cafe are moved during Christmas at Kew as they get loads of food concessions in that take all the space.)

then we walked round the back of the pond towards the Princess of Wales conservatory

we walked down the steps beside the pond and Kim caught sight of this growing on a tree,  i think it's a stag's head fern 

I took it from a side angle without changing lens

orchids

we've not seen the artist working for a while but she was there today.  I snuck this photo of her... she's very good!

we were surprised to see a little blue sky as we came out and went along tot he alpine house...

this was sun through the tree, honest!  

alpine house 

in the rock garden, more  snowdrops were opening.  

I looked back and they flowered at the same time last year in this patch

agave in the rock garden,  protected by perspex coverings to keep the frost off (when we get any)

there wasn't much to see in the Evolution garden 

I nearly missed these funghi on the side of the woodland garden - I had been looking at the log edging on the left of the path, not the right!

and we were back at the Palm House 

and we headed for the exit

Thanks for looking - wishing you a happy Christmas and I'll see you next week - might try and get in an extra visit over the holidays, depending on buses/trains and if I can prise myself off the sofa!