The Garden of Earthly Delights!

Beautiful Kew Gardens is situated is the southwest area of London. It is the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collection in the world. It doesn’t matter what time of the year you visit it, you will have no regrets.

 

The garden holds the most interesting tropical plants from all over the world. The massive glasshouse is very pretty, with a metal structure. The Palm House recreates a rainforest climate, a living laboratory supporting a diversity of plants from the tropical regions of the world, all under one roof. The plantings simulate this multilayered habitat, with canopy palms and other trees, climbers and epiphytes down to the shorter understorey plants and dwarf palms.

 

 

There are many things to see, and admire here. I was there quite recently. Walking around the garden is really nice, specially around the lake, where you will see lots of differents colours; despite it being winter, it was full of life.

When I was in Kew Gardens it was raining most of the time, but it made it feel more special, kind of gloomy and beautiful.

The Princess of Wales Conservatory, was opened  by Princess Diana in July, 1987. This royal influence and patronage has always been present during the long history of the Royal Botanic Gardens, right up to the present day.

It is one of the world’s most advanced energy efficient conservatories. It is partly underground to save on energy, and one gets the impression that the whole of the building almost ‘grows’ out of the ground.

I was so lucky, that when in the conservatory I could enjoy the preparations for the Orchid festival, opening later on that week. It was such an incredible mix of colours, feeling rather royal! They had a Thai theme for this year.

I had an amazing experience: I actually was in a sort-of contemporary beehive mockup.  The Hive is an immersive sound and visual experience. The lights you see and the sounds you hear inside The Hive are triggered by bee activity in a real beehive at Kew. The intensity of the sounds and light change constantly, echoing that of the real beehive.

I had a very nice day in Kew Gardens. I wouldn’t have chosen any other day to visit. This day was perfect, and the rain gave it a special feeling. If you ever happened to be in London, don’t hesitate to visit this  incredible garden full of life!