Orchids week 4

 Today was much milder and Kim was back.  We chatted to a lady and her daughter who'd come down from Sheffield for the weekend to see Kew and the orchids.  I can't believe there's only one more weekend of them, already. 

I went to take my normal opening shot whilst Kim walked round the other side of the pond to the POW

I did a speed-walk to catch her up

as we waited to be let into the POW, Henck, who co-ordinates the design of the Orchid Display was outside -  quite an understated chap!  He's normally in pink....

I'll miss the flamingoes after next weekend 

I hadn't noticed this one before today! 

it's growing.... bet we'll miss it open though! 

there was a robin (we often hear him) on the strut singing his heart out 

to be honest we thought that some of the flowers haven't lasted as well as usual, and that the displays (the arches particularly) weren't as good as often, but the wildlife depicted is stunning

spotted this in one of the glass display units in the last section, along with the lithops (living stones) - still think it looks like a tortoise head on a long neck like the one from the alpine house last year 

outside by the grass garden,  swathes of crocus opening out 

there was heavy rain overnight

I was about to bend down for the shot above... and then get back up again without getting covered in mud

raindrops on pines

alpine house

rain soaked snowdrops in the rock garden

rock garden (left) looking towards the dukes garden 

edgworthia 

more wet crocus!

next we headed to the lake, were it was good to see Peter back after his knee op 3 weeks ago

the wildlife was pleased to see him too!

then it was into the Davies Exploration house and the daisies.

we bumped into the Sheffield visitors who were loving their day!

quick walk through the Temperate House - most of the daffodils in the big tubs have faded already but there were some left 

these tiny purple flowers were looking good

and the artist was there too - bet she'll be pleased to be able to paint inside the POW after the orchids have finished.

next we headed to the Pavilion cafe for tea and cake

by the entrance to the cafe area was a huge swathe of crocus, but roped off to avoid trampling (and close ups by default!)

it had warmed up quite nicely and was sunny, definitely outside eating weather (I even unzipped my coat) 

Kim caught the sun shining on my newly re-coppered hair cut! 

then it was off to the winter garden - past the photography exhibition I had missed last wee

there were some fabulous photographs

hellebores in the winter garden 

this looked more in focus on the camera at the time, but it looks so sunflower-like I've included it (edgworthia)

witch hazel 

hellebore in the sun 

camellia in the sun along camellia walk, on our way to the exit

It was a lovely visit today, hope you enjoyed too - thanks for looking.

see you next week!