Friday 21 February 2014

February? Is That You?


Last weekend I went on my latest adventure to Kew Gardens, as I continue to make the most of my membership. I've now had August, October and December in Kew and January at its sister site of Wakehurst in Sussex. Sunday's trip had an extra adventure in that I cycled all the way there - that's 13 miles, ladies and gentlemen! It was mostly along the river and was awfully pleasant, particularly once I got through the centre of London. Cycling along the Embankment and river path at Putney was especially lovely - people were strolling along, enjoying the sun and there was a fleet of sail boats out on the Thames. I would have stopped to take photos but it was already quite late in the day and I didn't want to delay my arrival at Kew any longer.

And when I got to Kew? Well, Spring has well and truly arrived. It really did not feel like mid-February, with the warm sunshine out in its full glory and all sorts of flowers already sprung to life. Last year, I struggled to find a few daffodils at the very end of March. This year, there's already snow drops and daffodils by the hundreds, not to mention crocuses.



So I enjoyed my wander around the gardens, spotting all the signs of life, not only in the bright flowers on the ground but also the hints of green budding from the trees. I ended up exploring a little corner of the garden which I've not been in before as well, which was a treat. Here are some of my snaps I took as I wandered about. You will notice a few bare branches here, giving away the true season, even if the blue, blue skies might have you thinking of a later one for a moment.






Unfortunately, I didn't get any snaps of my outfit in my usual tradition - a combination of having limited time as I arrived there quite late in the day, fading light, and a popular day in the gardens leaving me little opportunity away from people to set up the camera on timer to grab some shots... However, it was worth missing out on posing about in front of the camera in order to catch the orchids exhibition in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, and the fun displays encapsulating the exotic expeditions of Victorian plant-hunters.



I also admired some Amazonian fish in the Conservatory, adding to my list of means to entice The Cat to come to Kew with me on one of my future adventures. It can be hard, sometimes, convincing boys to frolic in gardens... It's just a good thing I'm happy floating about on my own!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend, and enjoy any early signs of Spring that you encounter.

6 comments:

  1. Looks absolutely beautiful, really really want to see Kew Gardens! x

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    1. One day! Once I've been through all the seasons, I'll let you know which one I recommend the most highly...! x

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  2. Lovely images you have captured on your camera again! Engaging perspectives. The exhibition does look like fun. They really have put in a lot of thought and work. Always something new to keep the public returning. I am very impressed with your cycling adventure! Romantic, with a capital 'R'.

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    1. I'm very impressed with myself over my own cycling adventure! And I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. I didn't have too much time to take in the exhibition unfortunately, but I definitely enjoyed the fun and the feel of it.

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  3. Is the title of this post, taken from a song? I feel I should recognise a connection to something. I do enjoy the titles - you obviously think about them and they are an important part of the whole post.

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    1. No, no song. Just me being silly... Seriously, February's been so mild I would hardly have recognised it if you blindfolded me and threw me into any random day in it.

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