Spring is Springing...

Despite a dull start, we were promised some brightness...plus, it is the last weekend of the Orchid Festival at Kew, so I headed for a final look.

 because I've shown you the whole displays in the last two trips, I concentrated on different viewpoints and closeups (really will go and buy that macro lens soon!) today.

the misty effect is a combination of a slightly misted up lens (yes, Elizabeth it's a soft scarf I'm using to wipe it) and the humidity in the air from the occasional misting/watering of the orchids in the glasshouse... I quite like it though..

 I'll miss these big pillars of orchids next time I go

another misty one!

 love these orchids suspended up high (taken from a higher viewing area)

 you don't always realise how big the glasshouse is...or the plants inside it!

 closer look at the "flag"

 this really deep purple one is still one of my favourites

 outside, swathes of crocus in bloom everywhere, and some sun too, the raindrops from overnight

 glorious deep hellebore

 the funghi still growing along the treetrunks edging the wooded area

 dancing ballerinas in the sunshine,

 and daffodils filling the bank too, in the sunshine

 love the texture on the side of this urn by the pond

 more swathes of crocus, stretching away into the distance, had to pick my way through them carefully to get some closeups...

 peaking through the Henry Moore statue... the patches of crocus in the distance

 from the statue, I walked towards the lake and some more colour (delicious scent too)

 where someone was looking for breakfast!
never seen the stork (I think it IS a stork?!) this end of the lake before.

decided not to spend the energy climbing the stairs up the walkway today, so headed back towards the Hive

 the outside of the Princess of Wales glasshouse,

 where daffodils are reflected in the water rills.

 it won't be long before these fluffy soft magnolia buds burst into flower - probably by the time I next go

which will be at least the week after next, as next Saturday is hair cut day!


I am also looking forward to May, when the members only early opening starts again... way too many people about today!!