Not for the average conservatory, Encephalartos ferox, almost a living fossil and apparently a ferocious one too (ferox). And Orange, or reddish-orange, these cones. Altogether striking, enjoying the heat and high humidity of the Palm House at Kew. http://www.kew.org/plants/cycads/pollination.html
Month: January 2014
Massive mushrooms and zombie fungi…
I've photographed these willow fungi before, but I think they deserve another outing, bathed as they were in late afternoon sunshine last Sunday. A BBC video featuring Tom Hare, the artist responsible and the work of the Fungarium at Kew - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24473667 http://www.kew.org/video-galleries/galleries/Tom-Hare-fungi-sculptures.htm
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Orchid Mania at Kew
Early preparations in the Princess of Wales Conservatory for their Orchid Festival, beginning next month (8th February to 9th March). These spaces will be unrecognisable once their work is complete - a riot of colour. I'm sure I posted a gallery of photographs from their displays last year and this year should be bigger and…
Continue reading ➞ Orchid Mania at Kew
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Xstrata
The Xstrata Treetop Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew A chance to walk amongst the tree canopy and to enjoy views across the gardens (including the Pagoda and the Temperate House, undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment) and landscape beyond - Sunday was a clear day and Wembley Stadium, The Shard and swathes of West…
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Indian currant – Symphoricarpos orbiculatos
Symphoricarpos orbiculatos - Indian Currant or Coralberry http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=1890 I know this particular spot, with the waterfall next to the Davies Alpine House and have photographed something interesting, maybe something orange I seem to recall, here before - so I must have also photographed this shrub too, in leaf. It seems to have made no impression…
Continue reading ➞ Indian currant – Symphoricarpos orbiculatos
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Chokushi-Mon, a Japanese Garden at Kew
The Japanese Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Beautiful here in mid-winter, with sculpted box, evergreen waves of Liriope muscari, flowering Iris unguicularis, clipped Pachysandra terminalis, Cotoneaster and Callicarpa in berry, a few choice Chaenomeles flowers, beautifully spreading Winter Cherry - Prunus subhirtella Autumnalis, sunshine and raked gravel. http://www.kew.org/heritage/places/japaneselandscape.html
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Bewitched… Hamamelis at Kew
A grove of Witch Hazel, Hamamelis, at Kew - like those at RHS Wisley, in profuse bloom - these specimens are obviously in full sun rather than a woodland setting - they form part of the Mediterranean Garden displays, a setting for King William's Temple, and they seem to be liking it! Smaller plants than…
Continue reading ➞ Bewitched… Hamamelis at Kew
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Cheeky Chap…
In the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew, where tropical birds might be the order the day, Birds of Paradise, Parrots and Toucans - here is this cheeky little chappy, singing his heart out - while orchids are set out for the Extravaganza starting next month. I hope he finds a mate...
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Berberis – and a mystery plant hunter….
A label with minimal detail next to this shrub - near the Victoria Gate at Kew - a dense, prickly plant, chest high, abundantly berried with small, bright ruby lozenges. Berberis is a group of about 450 evergreen and deciduous plants from all parts of the northern hemisphere, Africa and South America. And this one…
Continue reading ➞ Berberis – and a mystery plant hunter….
The Teddington Gardener 