Kew in late August

Finally getting round to going to Kew. Slightly too late for the blaze of glory in the broadwalk but there was still lots of colour.

The board at the entrance said that the water lily house shouldn’t be missed…and indeed it was amazing. Lush, green, sunlight streaming in. As I was there early it was also quite empty…I think people often miss it but it’s really seen at its best when there’s noone else there. There’s not much room round the pond so definitely not as lovely when there’s lots of people.

The broadwalk was perhaps a bit past its summer glorious best but there was still some colour to be seen.

The grasses however, were lovely. Swaying gently in the breeze, just amazingly peaceful. Again, it was lovely and quiet…noone else around for the large part.

The kitchen garden has been revamped and I thought I was going to be disappointed as I always loved it as it was. It was fabulous though….especially with the most amazing…an hilarious…squash.

Every time you go to Kew there’s something amazing…that’s seasons for you…but the one constant for me is the Japanese garden. I love it. This part is probably my favourite place in Kew, every time I visit. The lush green…the paving. It’s at its best on a sunny day after a bit of rain when the stones are still wet and the grasses are particularly green. Definitely my calm spot.

A display of coleus in the temperate house. I’m in love with these. I bought a couple a bit by accident and they are fantastically easy to keep and look spectacular. I’m now trying to grow some from seed as that’s supposed to be easy….we’ll see.

As I appear to be the only person in east London who hasn’t managed to see the kingfishers in the Olympic Park, I bought this chap in the Kew shop to put next to my pond.