Kew in June

 Not flaming June - but luckily, neither the torrential rain forecast for today...

there were plenty of dark clouds though, but the breeze managed to blow them away 

Kim wasn't here today, she's going tomorrow instead when it is meant to be better still. 

new signs up

and re-planted round beds 

lots of geese still and most of the urns along the pond have been emptied - one or two still have plants in 

over the round bed at the end of the Broad Walk. looking down it

there'd been lots of rain overnight so lots of raindrops early on

the big lilies will be opening soon

alchemilla mollis always has good raindrops

fading alliums

white poppy

the purply mauve poppies are beautiful

the bigger alliums towards the other end of the Broad Walk being later, are still in fine form

eryngium looking good

heading past the huge monkey puzzle tree

lavetera

I walked into the grass garden and noticed this sign

it was a really pretty grey-green colour

this was the main reason I'd walked into the grass garden itself, this bed in the middle is always colourful this time of year 

with the alpine house behind it

and in the other direction

next, to the wildflower patch outside the bonsai house... oh wow!! 

despite the dull weather, the bees were feasting in their dozens. 

they were hard to get in focus... 

this is the slightly wilder bed along the student plots

just above the wall was a very large black cloud....

If it comes my way I am in for a soaking!

poppies have been sewn around the base of plants in the veg garden too

the roses on the Evolution Garden pergola are stunning this year 

blogger is choosing it's own order now

salvia along the rock garden 

peony,  most of them have been defeated by the rain 

end of the evolution garden

from the salvias, I checked out the purple poppies in the veg garden - they were humming with bees  

from the path outside the veg garden 

in the rock garden,  the patch I normally photograph is fading, but this was slightly higher up in the rock garden and still gorgeous 

the spiral aloe flowers are developing, and I was surprised to see a duck on the path nearby

she was very pretty

there wasn't much in the alpine house

I headed back and across the Broad Walk, towards the lake

were I was surprised to see a deer, just wandering off -   Peter was on "his" bench taking photos (he has a much longer lens)

and feeding the geese and ducks

as I moved on after a bit, the sun came out 

walking past the treetop walkway (lift out of order again, or at least "closed for health and safety") so I didn't venture up

I was surprised to find the door to the Davies exploration house open, as it was still only 9.30

love the strawflowers!

the Temperate House wasn't open, but I could peek through the open windows 

headed further along the grass to the Pagoda

still lots of grey clouds but no rain yet 

the Japanese Gateway garden was looking good, green, but good

back by the Pagoda,  beds of Philadelphus

making my way towards the Pavilion cafe

approaching the cafe from a different angle to usual,

I was trying to focus on the raindrops on the flower, but then noticed the orange and black insect.

the cafe was just opening so I took my tea and pastry to the table Kim and I often use, outside...

it was a very dribbly teapot so the first cup spilled across the table and was about to drip onto the floor when it stopped!

the free tea offer finished at the end of May, hence back to the pavilion cafe. 

it was warm now, coat came off

aeonium flower in the Temperate House

in the connection octagons,  there are large tubs of various aloes and agaves and things

this 

has grown these

in the main area

further octagon

various passionflowers in tubs

and a lotus flower 

this tub had a tall plant with tiny bright blue flowers - had to hold them up to see 

above my head some more 

at the far end by the exit

bananas

I walked through the Mediterranean garden 

back towards the Palm House - more looming clouds, but going in the other direction

so far they'd skirted round all morning 

the new wild rose garden is becoming a favourite

lavender with roses

outside the waterlily house,  the yellow is Santolina (cotton Lavender) the purple... not sure possibly wallflowers  

inside for instant steaming up..

red lotus flower that was in bud last week

big waterlilies

creamy lotus flower

palm house beds

fountain in the sun

dahlias in the bed at the top of the Broad Walk

outside the Princess of Wales 

poor thing is getting a crick in it's neck!

hope we get to see it flowers open!

the cactus at it's base is covered in flowers 

inside now

more flowers at roof level

wonder if Kim will be lucky enough to see these open tomorrow!

this one in a display case (taken through the glass) is closer to opening

from the lower level

I headed back to the Broad Walk to leave

red hot poker

I sat on a bench for a few minutes

enjoying the daisies and poppies

and then moved to the benches at the Palm House

the greylags were doing a good job of cutting the grass 

where the first few - and I do mean few - drops of rain fell;  it could have been so different!!

thanks for looking , see you next week