A Kew Gardens Miscellany – Alpines, Trees and Random Autumn Stuff

Nerine flexuosa in the Davies Alpine House at Kew. Scilla maderense (below) This clam shell construction lies at the head of the Rock Garden, next to the Princess of Wales' Conservatory and the Grass Borders. Actually there wasn't a great deal to see in the Alpine House this time - a few cyclamen, Paperwhite narcissus…

The Palm House at Kew Gardens – venerable, verdant and packed full of Class A drugs… #intoxicatedbyKew

Some ideas for the conservatory at home then... maybe not anything from the new exhibition there now.... this plant? not mine, officer! A new event starts today - 20th September to 12th October - the Intoxication Season - http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/intoxication-season From everyday to Class A, mind-altering plants and fungi arrive at Kew this autumn. Explore the…

The fireworks continue at Kew Gardens – this bedding display ramps up the intensity

and a bit of a cheat here, since this next picture was taken at Wisley a day earlier - but it fits the theme, with a great sea of Heliotrope 'Dwarf Marine'. My website! but back to Kew and passing through the shop and out....

A ferocious cycad – Encephalartos ferox

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