It was a damp, grey morning when 43 intrepid souls set out for Kew Gardens, and, as someone said ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’. However, the weather was kind to us, apart from a few sharp showers, it was bright and mild. We hoped to see spectacular autumn colours and were not disappointed. Shades of every autumnal colour were present in the landscape…….reds, golds, burnt oranges set off by those trees still with their green leaves. The glasshouses are always a treat, with plants from all parts of the world to wonder at……the biggest, truly monsters, to the smallest. We were able to access the Palm House, built in 1848, and due to close soon for some years while it is to be renovated to become the first net zero carbon heritage building of its kind. Kew scientists have relied on the Palm House collection for research into medicine and sustainable cropping. The hop-on, hop-off train whisked some of us around the grounds, whilst others bravely ascended the tree-top walk to gain a birds-eye view of the landscape. We met at the end of the day in the Orangery for a welcome cup of tea and an uninterrupted view of the beautiful gardens before wending our way back to the coach and a swift journey home. Sent from my iPad
