It was my birthday last week, and Mr Spoons 'n' Spades offered me the day out of my choosing (woo hoo!), and I plumped for Kew Gardens, not having visited since my children were young.
Overall, my impression of Kew hasn't changed much. There are some really great areas, like the Japanese Garden and Rhododendron Dell, then there are some areas that really let it down and lack interest and I think they could do so much more with. Queen Charlotte's Cottage is one, it's a cottage, please add a cottage garden to the entrance instead of a dull patch of lawn, the bees and butterflies would love it, and so would I!
But, I'm being picky, because we spent a beautiful sunny day here, strolling around, and found many beautiful areas to admire. Here are some of my favourite photos from the day.
As I mentioned, the Japanese Gateway garden is just stunning! I think it's the first time I've ever visited during this season, and it was definitely the best I've ever seen it. The cherry blossom was in full flower, and the gorgeous red blooms among the rockery were simply amazing.
Some of the Camelias had finished flowering, but many were still flourishing. Such beautiful varieties and colours.
There were some lovely little plants in the alpine house, and most seemed to be in bloom. Lucky for me!
The Rhododendron Dell was packed with glorious colour. I'm still waiting for mine to flower at home.
And the cherry blossom scattered around the garden was breathtaking, especially against the clear blue sky.
Of course, there were Bluebells and Snowdrops.
I always look for form, layers and interesting colour combinations when I visit gardens, and these are a few of the photos I took to remind myself and maybe replicate certain features for my own garden.
I could share so many more photos from the day, but I'm sure Blogger would go into meltdown, so I'll leave you with a last one of me, taken in front of the British Orchids.
We've never visited kew and are always meaning to - do you think spring is the best season there?
ReplyDeleteI would say it is Sue. So many areas are Spring based, like the rhododendron area and general plants of interest like the cherry blossom, magnolias, orchids etc. I remember going in October once, and there wasn't very much to see except the pumpkin displays. It's a beautiful place to visit though, with some amazing trees.
DeleteHappy belated birthday, it sounds like you had a wonderful time. I've never visited Kew Gardens, it looks like there's plenty to see at this time of year. I think cherry blossom always add something to a place in spring.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jo. The cherry blossom was so beautiful, and so photogenic too :-)
DeleteIt must be 10 yrs since we went to Kew, thanks for bringing back happy memories! You certainly chose a good day to go, that sky is such a stunning colour. Our Rhododendrons are just about to burst into bloom, another week I think should do it. The bluebells and snowflakes look amazing, my snowflakes seem to have been flowering for months now.
ReplyDeleteThe sky was a beautiful blue all day Pauline, just a small wisp of cloud here and there.
DeleteNever been to Kew but seen it on various tv programmes - your pictures show just how much can flower in spring, not just tulips and daffodils. Belated birthday greeting Paula
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elaine. Yes, there was a lot to see and it did give me ideas for my garden too.
DeleteOh what a pleasure to see the beauty of Kew Gardens again, I really intend on visiting soon now. What beautiful piccies, you obviously had a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday...and lovely to see you, you look like a little doll!!!xxxx
I'm sure you'll have a great day if you go, Snowbird, there is a lot to see.
Delete(Belated) Happy Birthday! Lovely photos and fascinating for me because I used to live near Kew and visited it a lot (I think it was about 10p to get in then). I expect I would look at it differently, too, all these years later. I'm glad you saw so much in bloom and plenty of colour - and had a sunny day, too!
ReplyDeleteIt costs a bit more than 10p now, Wendy ;-), but it's worth the money as you can easily spend a whole day there if the weather is good.
DeleteThanks for the tour of Kew. The cherry trees and bluebells are all done blooming here in Northern Virginia.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fascinating how Spring arrives at different times all over the world. I think the cold start to our spring delayed everything here by a couple of weeks, at least.
DeleteA most enjoyable post, and lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Kew for some years now but always preferred going at this time of year.
Flighty xx
I'm headed to England this summer fro a wedding but don't know if I'll have time to visit Kew. It looks like a fabulous place. :o) The grounds seem fairly extensive. What a fabulous place to get lost in. :o)
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, it looks like a nice sunny day and loads of inspiration.
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