Kew

 It wasn't meant to be wet today but there was low cloud and some drizzle...found some colour though.

Kim had started her pre-opening shots outside...

they are starting to install Christmas (the lights trail starts on 13 November)

there were lots of paths closed and people working.

so we had to go round this way

there are different things happening for the lights this year 

it'll be interesting to see how it looks next week

today was the last of the member 9am half term entry, but they turned the fountain on for a change

if you stand in the right place round the pond you can line up the door perfectly with the circle. 

dogwood 

something different for the Broad Walk on the trail

gingko round near the Hive

thanks blogger.... mahonia in the evolution garden

nasturtium leaf with water drops (veg garden)

dried flowers and pumpkin display (veg garden) 

the pumpkins will be mostly donated to food banks next week but some are being sold on Wednesday

outside the alpine house

alpine house

alpine house.

back to evolution garden....

along the wall by the rock garden

the fox had been under one of the hedges that separate parts of the EG  but then moved and had a good scratch..

there are more of the porcelain berries on the shrub in the EG

we didn't go to the Pavilion cafe today so didn't check those ones out

view across the EG. that's the hedge the fox was hiding under initially (on the right)

the acer at the edge of the rock garden/EG has lost it's leaves but is covered in what looked like a bearded clematis but I am not sure if it is... 

anyhow, fluff!  

lots of salvias still in flower and lots of bees of all sizes on the flowers

by the side of the POW  (we went to have a closer look later )

the callicarpa are still fab

as we crossed back over the Broad Walk the sun came out from behind cloud and lit up the leaves perfectly

the leaf litter (from my phone) was really pretty too

from the phone (the sun didn't last long)

scuffling!  

we took a path through the (damp) grass 

towards another favourite - luckily still in the sun

gorgeous!

we headed towards the lake

where 2 Egyptian geese came to say hello (and where's our breakfast)

the followed us along the path by the lake

there were some reflections but the sky had clouded over again

until we got to the Temperate House

another gingko

inside the TH

back outside, more of the lights for the trail - covering the slope outside the TH

looking towards the Palm House

we headed over to the gallery to see the blue pots again

seems we both like scuffling through leaves 

unfortunately when we got to the gallery, there was a sign to say it wasn't opening until 1pm today, there must have been something happening inside. maybe a private event or some publicity or something

so I had to content myself with the outdoor ones

then we headed back round to Camellia Walk

where more Christmas prep is happening - the trail seems bigger this year 

lots of Christmas trees  - lit, but there were still working along Camellia Walk so I guess it's just being tested

there were lots of reindeer (both sides of Camellia Walk )

in amongst some small trees

there was a family walking along and the toddler in her buggy was going "bambi" every time she saw one

back at the Victoria Gate 

we headed to get something to eat 

it was mild, and dry so we sat outside

they had the spiced apple cake again

before heading back round the pond to go into the Princess of Wales 

had to change lens for this view!!

there wasn't masses of interest  and the lens was misting madly in the tropical bits

but we were surprised to see a Titan Arum out of the nursery and starting to grow

there were a few orchids but no decent photos

and then as promised a closer look at the red tree outside

it would have been so much nicer if we'd caught it in blue sky and sun!

that is it for today - thanks as always for looking

Next week it's a 10am opening so in with the crowds!

See you then