I visited Barbican Conservatory a few days back and came to know its London's 2nd largest conservatory. That obviously intrigued me to check out which is the largest one and I came to know its Kew Gardens which also was a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So obviously, I had to visit.
Also beneath this is an aquarium which housed some incredible water life from algae to fishes. Some of them were that I haven't seen in my life earlier incl Jelly fishes. Spotted Garden Eels grow about 30cm and live in burrows with heads poking out. The orange spotted diamond goby is a visual treat. The way it finds little shrimps by grabbing mouthfuls of sand and throwing it out through its gills.
These particular red algae contains pigments that helps them grow in deep water where hardly any sunlight reaches. The fish Mustard Tang is capable of changing is color to merge with other fishes!
Just in front of this building is the Syon Vista which is a visual treat, with trees on either sides and ground filled with white flowers it was gorgeous! Half way through is a waterbody with a beautiful curved bridge called the Sackler Crossing. I was sitting here for about half an hour during sunset and it was the most mesmerizing time ever!!!
The Swan was indeed the king of the space and wouldn't let the geese in certain areas. Some coots were teaching their young ones how to swim! Infact, the geese were allover the premises sun bathing and relaxing. At times, the swans and geese did 'walk' atop water!
Pretty close to the Sackler Crossing on the other side is the Rhizotron and Treetop Walkway! This is a metal gauze walkway 18m above ground which can be accessed both by steps as well as lift.
The Swan was indeed the king of the space and wouldn't let the geese in certain areas. Some coots were teaching their young ones how to swim! Infact, the geese were allover the premises sun bathing and relaxing. At times, the swans and geese did 'walk' atop water!
Pretty close to the Sackler Crossing on the other side is the Rhizotron and Treetop Walkway! This is a metal gauze walkway 18m above ground which can be accessed both by steps as well as lift.
Princess of Wales conservatory is another important section. This is much bigger than the Palm House. This is in several sections incl Arid region, Temperate region, Tropical region etc where the temperature and humidity are controlled specifically with plants of those specific regions.
The most intriguing ones were the 'living stones' of arid region called Aizoaceae. This is from Africa and look like rocks to protect themselves.
Several sections of the premises had garden formations filled with multicolor tulips incl in front of the Palm House as well as Kew Palace.
The Kew Palace is a small 3 storeyed palace. It doesn't look anything like other castles or palaces, but more like a cottage or farm house for the royalties incl King George III, Queen Charlotte, Princess Elizabeth, Princess Augusta etc during c.1818. The original furnishing, wall papers etc maintained as they were. The Royal kitchen besides, has the utensils used since Victorian Era!!!
Well, the whole place requires an entire day and quite a bit of energy to explore. I did miss out certain sections of the garden in my more than half day exploration!
Well, the whole place requires an entire day and quite a bit of energy to explore. I did miss out certain sections of the garden in my more than half day exploration!
To Get There:
P.S: I was invited by Kew Gardens to experience it for review purpose, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.
Dedicated to Venkat