Luisa stops to smell the flowers in the Temperate Rainforest glass house
One good thing about travelling this time of the year, especially with the unseasonably warm weather, is that I get the joy of enjoying all the beautiful plants and trees blooming to life without the hoards of tourists.
In the evolution house
So on Friday I met up with a new friend I met on couchsurfing, Luisa, originally from Italy but now living in France. Luisa is about my age and is just considering embarking on her own on a trip, to Canada of all places. She was a great person, in face we are getting together again on Wednesday for lunch. It was also great because I got to practice my French.
The expansive and beautiful greenhouse from the tree top walk
Anyway, we met up on Friday and went to Kew Gardens. Like Greenwich Park, Kew Gardens have also become a World Heritage Site.
Luisa tries to befriend a duck (off screen)
The history of the development of Kew today began in the 16th and 17th centuries. Henry VII built Richmond Palace in the 16th century, on the site of the earlier royal house. He moved his court to the palace for the summer months and fundamentally changed people’s perceptions of the area. By the 17th century Kew’s place as a hub of power and political intrigue was firmly established.
And here's the duck - hey - stop walking out of my frame
The gardens are an exceptional representation of a wide range flora. Bamboo, Eucalyptus, indigenous species and many other introduced species. Beautiful large greenhouses provide environments for palms and temperate forest presentations. Not everything was open that day unfortunately, but the sun was shining, the birds were singing, flowers were booming and hanging out with a new friend.
A beautiful heritage tree (from the 1700s if I recall) and the Orangery
I highly recommend Kew Gardens for a visit if you find yourself in London. The only draw back is that due to its proximity to Heathrow (I believe) planes flew over the park constantly all day, relentlessly. That was the only downfall. But if you can ignore that, it is worth the visit.
Why do ancient trees never cease to amaze me?
Not sure I want to weigh-in on the gnarly old tree thing.
Blblblblblblbl
Nothing like fresh raspberries straight from the garden!
Loving your commentary and pictures, esp. the one of the duck.
I was wondering were you able to visit Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage?
You know, I’ve always wanted to visit Kew Gardens and now I know why, so thanks for reminding me. 🙂
No as the Palace and the Cottage were not open at that time. Not until April 1.
glad your mum with you, hi mum!
the queen mum-aren’t you lucky sara, ENJOY your trip Gladys
weather cold here- calling for 2-4 cms of snow in the city!
Thanks Judy – will give Mum the message – yes the Queen Mum eh? It was beautiful again today but set to go back to seasonable temperatures as of tomorrow. No complaints however. I hope you and all are doing well and Mark is healing swiftly.