Kew

 It was cooler today and engineering works on the train service I use... which led to an interesting journey home...

it was at least dry...

Kim's still doing her opening shot of my opening shot...

we decided to head round the closer side of the pond first, as the colour of this tree was intense

there were some good reflections - on yet another dull sky day!

we did have some sunshine during the week, but working means I didn't get to enjoy it!

the leaves that have already fallen make a great carpet - but due to the Christmas lights trail, you can't leave the path to go under the tree

we headed round to the Princess of Wales conservatory first 

we went through the arid/desert section first

then into the tropics!

whilst the Waterlily House has now closed for winter, there are still a few flowering in the POW

up to the ferns

bananas!

stag's head fern

passionflower - it's against the light but there are 2 fruits down below , will be interesting to see if they ripen

walking through the orchid room, not many around just now

the titan arum is growing, but not so fast that they have the growth chart up yet!

we left by the arid section again

and through the rock garden

this is a winged spindle tree, and it w

we took a different path today,  lots of grasses on the edge of rocks

outside the alpine house

nerines

inside 

Kim had some food for the geese today

Egyptian goose

mahonia

Kim was still in the veg garden(it's mostly empty now)  but I started to criss-cross the evolution garden

the porcelain berries were looking good but most of them are high up

this was too far back in the bed for a closer look

then down the salvia border

some funghi on a tree log lining the little woodland path cutting through back to the Palm House area

we were heading for the lake really but the colour of this tree and it's reflection in the pond from this side of the pond, drew us this way

we walked through the Palm House -  there are plans in place to renovate this structure next year and they are working on temporary glasshouse storage to move the contents to, during the work,

so we won't be able to do this at some time next year 

more bananas, these were bigger ones!

the flower

lots of the bigger palms are being planted into huge tubs ready for moving to their temporary homes

in a way, I hope they don't remove the rust from the door... it appeals to the crafter in me!

we headed round the back of the Palm House and round the rose garden

and then headed up towards the lake

the trees are rapidly losing their leaves, but they still have so much colour!

at the lake.   this bit by some benches (where we often see Peter feeding the birds) has been opened out - iris have been cut right back so there is a clearer view towards the crossing. 

across the lake 

such gorgeous reflections (would be so different with blue sky!)

it might seem like overload, but you're getting them anyway!

to the right as you reach the lake crossing, are some trees decorated for the trail - they look like a giant parcel tied up in ribbon

from the crossing

the arches are for the light display - sadly now that the trail is open, there were none lit up today so I don't know what colour they are

the gulls like them, they have new perches

this one was huge, though I had the wrong lens on to get closer

heading past the treetop walkway

outside the back of the Temperate House,

bauble selfies, has to be done!

quick walk through the Davies exploration house

into the Temperate House

then out the other end towards refreshements!

we still managed to sit outside - may not be doing this next week, it's due to get colder (and rain currently!)

the lights weren't on as I say

but this is just for you Jan -  for the size perspective

from this angle it looks huge!  (it is quite big!)

then it was time to head to the shop (members 20% discount this week, so a bit of shopping to be done)

before making my way home - a convoluted journey with the engineering works which included me getting on the wrong train at Wimbledon and having to double back....doh!! 

luckily only one stop and I caught the train I should have done at Wimbledon so home at my intended time!

got to get ready for a party now, night "out out"  beckons.

see you next week,  thanks for looking!