h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Sunday started with getting home from a Gig in Dartford at 01.00, and a couple of relaxing before at 3am, knowing I had to be up at 10.00 for what should be a pleasant micro-meet in Kew Gardens, for the Kew Gardens tropical extravaganza:
http://www.kew.org/events/tropical-extravaganza/index.htm

And up at 10.00 I was bright-eyed and, well, really, but after two large I was ready for anything. Batteries charge, mine, the camera and the camcorder too. Boots on, bag packed, packed... just awaiting my guest.

And there I was waiting by the door at 11.20, and she was on the doorstep. Yes, I was about to have a day out with my friend, T. After putting on a pair of boots, we were ready to head off, and the soon arrived. (The stop is immediately in front of my flat )

Five stops later and we are at the Victoria gate, Kew Gardens - 12.00 - Perfect. I had easy entry as a member, but also had a complimentary pass for T. so entry was a breeze. First stop? Café and . The café indoors was packed so we sat outside. Luckily it was warmer than of late... probably around 5C but we were both wrapped up well, T. particularly so when she opened her . A brown knitted scarf...

After a while catching up on news it was time to head off. Past ther still-frozen ornamental lake, and photo stop. On to Museum no. 1. Here is where the 'Plants and People exhibition is kept. This is a form of Ethno-flora museum, with exhibits on man's use of plants throughout history and society. I wasn't sure if T. had been there before, as it wasn't our first time visiting but, she hadn't. It was a little like a man's holiday in places, but enjoyable. And we achieved 100% on the environmental quiz!

It was now time to visit the Princess of Wales' conservatory, not named after Princess Diana, as many think, but Princess Augusta. It was opened on 28th Julky 1987 by? You've guessed it, appropriately Diana, Princess of Wales.

The first area is the arid zone, with the Lithops A2654732 and cacti. From there it is into the wet tropics. A real greenhouse effect when dressed for Arctic conditions! . This is where the main area of the Extravaganza is, with Orchids, Anthuriums, Bromeliads, Nepenthes (pitcher plants) and Platycerium (stag’shorn ferns). There were also lots of waxy 'spatula' feathered plants whose name escapes me. In the centre of the lily pond where two beribboned boxes foliated with Anthuriums and Bromeliads. Very clever. In one of the mangrove trees was the green water (Pysignathus cocincinus). This used to be in one of the aquaria, but outgrew it, so now wanders the conservatory as an environmental insect killer! .There were also many hanging baskets of various orchides and Nepenthes. Upstairs were another couple of boxes, except in white. Next was the static display of orchids, also pretty followed by the ferns and a spectacular Platycerium... a good 2 metres top to bottom... . By this time it was close to 14.00 and time for lunch...

However a tour organised by MMF would not be complete without a detour, so we headed to a secluded area by the Nash gallery which houses the study rooms for Kew students. Here the lake was again frozen and T. couldn't resist testing the ice with a stick ... although my walking stick was more effective. Heading towards Kew Palace we passed the bonfire used for children during a sleep-over, the Kew Palace gardens, including the Physik and herbal garden (not at it's best, but good for another visit).

Now for the Orangery for lunch. Once again, it was busy but, hey! It was Sunday and only the second day of the Extravaganza... And the was smiling! I mean 'shining'. T. opted for a hot meal while I, still recovering from a mini-heat stroke went for a sandwich. Both meals were appreciated, although the couple adjacent, with two kids, were emitting more than it was outside. Goodness knows what therir problem was but it was palpable.

Time for a change of scenery and the Shirley Sherwood gallery. This is a new gallery next door to the Marianne North gallery and totally modern. It is designed to be a permanent gallery of botanical art, to showcase some of the 200,000 art works held by Kew, alon g with Dr. Shirley Sherwood's own extensive collection.

First, en route, we passed the Xstrata rhizotron and walkway, or rather we didn't pass it. We decided to have a look as the lift was now operational. Now this was really REALLY 'pushing the envelope' as neither of us like heights. Having entered the lift we were committed, or more likely should have been sectioned!!! Until I reached the top, I didn't appreciate how high 18m (59') is. It is HIGH. Not only that but the walkway is wire mesh, and the circular viewpoints flex! . By looking at the horizon I managed a number of photos, as well as a 360 (hastily videod) panorama. The view is spectacular but halfway around (T. already having completed the walk) it started to rain and the walkway quite noticably swayed. It was good to get back to Terra Firma, although I'd do it again, in Spring, but with a tripod, bungee braces and a paramedic! .

Onto the gallery, which was open all areas today and surprised T. at how many exhibits there were. (The gallery changes exhibits quite often and some areas may be closed off). We became real critics. It seems to happen every time I take someone there. When we left it was getting dark and, to be honest, my knee was starting to know it was cold, and we'd walked a bit, so headed for the shop. I should say the exorbitantly priced shop. Has no-one told Kew Gardens about the 'Credit Crunch'? Orchids at £100.00 a pop? Noooo. And people were buying them, and not just singly, but twos and threes. T. made a couple of purchases but I kept a big distance from the bird and animal area. Last time I bought a for £40.00. Not this time. . It was now pretty dark and the shop was closing so time to head back to my flat. It was also raining again, so just as well. And there it was! 17:45 and back home for me, but a shortish journey for T. A good day and one I hope we can repeat again. There are already possibilities for two other, different, trips soon. I can't wait, but will have to be patient. Thanks very much for another wonderful day, T. Your company was much appreciated and I look forward to the next...

Anyone else fancy a visit? Just let me know. I'm in the phone book

Well, my addy is on my PS!

MMF



*Some photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/madfiddler

Click on Kew Gardens in February. Today's to be added!*

Lovely report. Looking forward to new pix. Liked the peacock though. Hope your feet are better? Must be to attempt that trek I don't fancy the walkway though I don't like heights either, or rather they don't like me

Websailor

BTW, I must add it was 'my' decision to do the walkway and I didn't give T. an option... I am and it was very remise of me! I needed to challenge myself and did not think of my guest who, I know abhors heights so, once again, I apologise!

MMF

I wish i could go, but my health is'nt up to it.
Glad you both enjoyed it so much.

What a lovely day MMF, and what lovely photos, thanks for sharing

Thanks for a lovely day, MMF

Sorry for abandoning you on that walkway. I knew that if I didn't wheech straight round it, I'd be on the floor, whimpering

Glad you had a lovely time too, Teuchter

What lovely pictures MMF .

I have never been to Kew, only Wisley. It sounds like you had a good time, and seeing those Orchids brightens up the wintery days .

All the best.

Nigel

Teuchter, I can assure you, if I could move that fast I would have done! Those observation areas almost caused a call to Tenaman!!!

You did very well!!!

http://www.abcpharmacy.co.uk/shop/products.aspx?osGrp=245&osCat=885&store=generalPharmacy&gclid=CNLvzJbI0JgCFQ5uQgodRnZL4Q

And Venus, do not worry... we'll meet up soon.



MMF

I wish it was spring or summer, doors and windows gonna be wide open for a while
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me gonna find words to that snowman film

It seems a lovely day was had by all.

Lovely pictures, MMF! The orchids are beautiful indeed.

MMF, lovely photos to brighten a miserable day (yesterday) and today I nearly choked on that link Thanks for the

Websailor