Another fun thing we did with Kevin’s parents was take the Tube to Kew Gardens.
Bird of Paradise inside Temperate House
The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, (as its formally known) is located in Richmond, about 10 miles west of central London. Kew Gardens consists of over 325 acres of gardens, glasshouses and wildlife. Kew has the largest and most comprehensive collection of plants in the world and is also a center of scientific research and conservation.
Kew was established in 1759 as a nine-acre garden by Princess Augusta, mother of King George III. Over the years, it has grown to become a major visitor attraction and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was a lovely, sunny day when we visited Kew. Here are a few of the highlights…
Tropical Plants inside Temperate House
Temperate House
The Temperate House (c.1859) is the world’s largest surviving Victorian glass structure, at over 52,525 square feet. It contains exotic plants and tropical trees and palms from around the world.
The Pagoda
The Pagoda, completed in 1762, was designed by Sir William Chambers who had a special interest in Chinese architecture and design. The ten-story structure is one of Kew’s most popular features.
Japanese Gateway
The Japanese Gateway (Chokushi-Mon) was originally created for the Japan-British exhibition in 1910. It is a replica of the Western Temple of the Original Vow (Gate of Nishi Hongan-ji) in Kyoto, Japan.
Waterlilies in the Waterlily House
A Resident Peacock
Rose Gardens
It was a great day and a nice break from the urban landscape of London.
