Plant paradise at Kew gardens
The dazzling regal delight that is Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, will be high up on most nature lovers’ radars.
But for years this Richmond beauty has passed me by. I spend much of my time exploring the south west of the UK and busy London has never been a massive draw for the nature lover in me.
The countryside is the place I feel most at home and yet, amazingly, only a few miles from the centre of the bustling capital, within the walls of Kew gardens I couldn’t have felt more happily at home.
Only the regular roar of overhead aeroplanes shattered the peace of this incredible place.
I love a good garden, but world-leading Kew is outrageously good and, also, absolutely enormous.
Years of botanical and architectural wealth, passed down through generations, might now be looking ever-so-slightly tired but beyond rusty buildings, the plants are utterly magnificent.
I dare say, a day isn’t enough to properly explore every corner of this incredible landscape.
Celebrating Australian eucalyptus trees, South African rock garden treasures and Argentina’s striking monkey puzzle trees in one corner, a few winding pathways lead to a Spanish-inspired Mediterranean garden, Canada’s majestic maple, Chinese and Japanese delights, Californian redwoods and on to the bamboo garden of the Himalaya section. It’s a marvel that includes evocative writing too, with special commissions on display, to ponder over as you wander around.
It’s a heady and brilliant combination, all within 300 awesome acres.
The shining stars of the show have to be the Victorian Palm House, Waterlily House, Temperate House, and Princess of Wales Conservatory.
Rich and resplendent glossy tropical greenery jostles for attention beneath towering ornate glass and metal showrooms. These well-cared for plants almost glow with vibrant good health. And, for a moment, while you wander in wonder inside the humid, atmospheric glasshouses you’re transported into another world.
But all that walking and wondering definitely works up an appetite. While most visitors will come for the plants, it’s worth noting the food is pretty decent too.
Our lunch at The Botanical restaurant overlooking the stunningly beautiful Palm House and lake, served up a piping hot velvety and vibrant butternut soup (£7.50). But be warned, if you want more than one (freshly baked and warm) poppy seed dusted roll for dunking, it’ll set you back an extra £2.50.
My creamy artichoke risotto (£14.50), was topped with tangy grilled artichoke and flashes of pickled sweet chilli, injecting a welcome hint of heat and colour. I would’ve liked more than the delicate suggestion tucked beneath a tangle of peashoots, but relished the flecks of salty Parmesan shavings which added richness and extra flavour to the dish.
In the hours I wandered happily after lunch, I felt I hardly touched the surface of the magnificent grounds. And, if wasn’t £17.50 a visit, I’d be planning a return visit before long.
There is limited parking (£7 a day) so travelling my train could be the best bet.
For more information visit www.kew.org
