Kew, heading for another heatwave

Today was originally forecast a lot hotter but whilst we were waiting to enter, the sky was thick cloud and you couldn't see the constant planes overhead on their way to Heathrow.  The moment the gates opened at 8 though. they cleared and the sky was blue (for a bit)

Kim had headed straight for the lake so after taking my regular opening shot I went that way to catch her up. 

there were some nice wispy clouds now 

I paused for the Henry

gorgeous patina on the pieces

the sun was shining on this one 

and long shadows on this one

including me taking the photo

don't think I've photographed this one from this angle before. 

I still don't think they look like sheep.  but Sheep Piece they are called. 

at the lake, some great reflections 

there weren't many birds around

the swans were over at the island

so we carried on along the lake path. the clouds had come back but it was warm 

we soon found the geese - lots of Canada geese 

the youngsters are huge now

another large group a few yards further along 

walking round the end of the lake 

and back along the other side 

we decided to go for our free cup of tea early 

I broke my new rule of not buying overpriced cake but I was hungry and even though it was only just 9 I had a square of chocolate layer cake. 

very gooey, very squishy (dread to think how soft it will have got later in the day when it was hotter)  and very expensive... but delicious.  

we sat with friends and regulars Patrick and Joyce and chatted a while. 

then headed round the back of the pond 

and into the evolution garden from the other end to often 

my favourite beds in here are filling out and bursting into flower

achillea

helenium

asters

echinops

I didn't see the bug until I downloaded the photo

eryngium 

verbascum

rose pergola looking to the other half of the evolution garden

love the white poppies

crossing the path and smelling the roses

lillies, dripping pollen 

yucca

vegetable garden companion planting 

alpine house behind the evoluiton garden

that's a crow sitting on the roof 

wildflower beds still fabulous

student beds,  we went in to look at the sunflowers 

ladybird

the students don't seem to have planted as many this year 

waterlily pond.  looking a bit healthier than last year, and quite a few flowers.

perhaps they're looking after this more with the waterlily house closed for refurb this year

grass garden 

wildflowers at the Carbon garden 

fencing

bug hotel  

I can't believe it's only been open a year (barely that)  it's settled so well 

as I was taking this one I noticed a teeny spider 

and on the next door one a slightly bigger one (but still small)

echinacea flowering too 

sitting on a bench for a rest

purple planting to the side 

monkey puzzle 

geraniums on the corner of the Broad Walk 

wandering through long grass and dandelion seeds 

past a Henry

walking along rhododendron dell from the grass at the top not on the path

back at the lake.

Kim had seen the tree gang painting this dead tree on Wednesday

we wondered why, but there is a sign up to say it's to highlight the danger of climate change.

it does look rather effective though.  

we took another breather at a bench at the top of the lake 

it was quite warm now

shortly before this I nearly fell on the stones, my sandals aren't really suitable! 

back in the woodland, we sat and listened tot he jackdaws chattering to one another - they gather round Queen Charlotte's cottage in their dozens at this time of year. 

apparently it's a social thing, and for teaching the young. 

plenty of crows too

enjoying Kim's monkey nuts 

we sat and watched and listened to them for a while 

before heading over to the Temperate House 

seedheads in the Mediterranean garden 

then walking through the rose garden to the exit

by the side of the pond, one of the foxes was right by a group having a picnic - obviously waiting for lunch!

I didn't want to get to close or get the people in the photo.  

back at Clapham Junction I had a 20 minute wait for my second train and there were no seats free so I sat on the platform to wait.  I couldn't face standing for that long! 

very uncomfortable concrete, i can tell you! 

Thanks for looking. see you next week!  

it's going to be a hot one, so I will be trying to find something cool to wear...