We took the tube the other day to Kew gardens and there was so much to look at, we spent nearly half the day there.
We took the tube the other day to Kew gardens and there was so much to look at, we spent nearly half the day there. Next time I go, I want to be sure and try the afternoon tea at the orangery there.
I think I must have taken over 500 pictures of all the different gardens {flower, vegetable, bonsai, succulents} and we even climbed the Great Pagoda while we were there.
This was my third trip to Kew gardens, and each time I’ve been there is something new that catches my eye. This time around it was all the banana trees in the palm house.
Have you ever seen a banana tree up close before? It is SO interesting. I’ve seen full sized bananas on a tree before, but never baby ones. I found it fascinating.
I suspected the view was better from the top so we climbed the iron staircase for a better look.
Glass greenhouses… I have a thing for them. I don’t know what it is about them, but they’re so dreamy. Especially the really old ones.
The craftsmanship is always stunning.
Aren’t the bananas {and the male flower} beautiful?
The view from the top. Not too shabby my friends, not too shabby.
I’ll share more of the pictures I took at Kew Gardens soon, but right now we need to catch the tube so we can hop on the high speed train at Paddington station and head towards Newbury to pick up our rental car. {That should be interesting!!}
I am SO GLAD I am on this trip. We are having the best time ever. Seriously, pastries, gardens and castles… What more do you need?
~Mavis
Gardengoddess42 says
So you are now in my home town of Newbury. No doubt your next stop is Highclere Castle. The gardens were beginning to look autumnal when I was there a couple of weeks ago. Hope you enjoy your visit!
J in OH-IO says
Once you get back, please share your up close photos of the gardens and flower combinations there! The flower gardens are beautiful and I like the flowers mixed in together and need to try that at my home. Looking for some ideas of what flowers to surround my purple coneflowers. Trying to have something blooming each season… daffodils, tulips, bleeding heart, peonies, hardy geranium, hostas, daisy, coneflowers, sedum, and hardy mums. I need a few flowering filler plants to add that are dog safe. Anyone have recommendations of flowers I can grow along with peonies. After they bloom I leave the leaves to gain strength, but there is nothing else blooming in that area and I would like some other flowers to bloom. I’ve tried to sprinkle zinnia seeds in the peonies because they would reseed, but nothing has taken root.
Jennifer Jo says
When we lived in Nicaragua, we built our adobe house in the middle of a banana patch and had to cut a bunch of them down. We also lived next to a whole row of mango trees.
Diana says
We live in San Diego and grow bananas. We have over 100 plants and they add a touch of the tropics to our property. Did you know that banana plants are not considered a tree? They are the largest perennial herb!
Lana says
Some of our neighbors here in SC have banana trees. The lantana in your first picture is a weed in Florida. I used to battle it all the time when we lived there. Have fun!
debbie in alaska says
My family originates from Madeira Island and my grandfather’s property had so many banana trees and of course sugarcane and lots of other exiting things I loved exploring as a child. It’s been a while since I’ve been back and I know it’s changed so much — might be time to go back!
Cindy Brick says
Mavis, if you have a chance while in London, go to Charles Dickens’ house — it’s fascinating.
https://dickensmuseum.com/
Laura says
I’ve had tea at the Orangery. It was incredible. The scones are the best. It’s worth a special trip back.