Outing to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for Orchid display

This year’s Orchid display, based on the beauty of Peru, is being show-cased in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. The display is absolutely stunning and should not be missed.

The glasshouse is divided in two sections: the arid, dry zone, featuring cacti and succulents; and the lush, tropical zone. Within the dry zone several large containers of orchids and hanging orchid planters are on display but it’s the tropical zone that contains the main display and you won’t be disappointed.  

Inspired by the Peruvian flag and coat of arms, the display centres on a cornucopia (an ornamental goat-horn), overflowing with orchids, to signify the abundance of mineral wealth of Peru. Adjacent (keeping guard?) stands a distant relative of the alpaca. 

Continue reading Outing to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for Orchid display

Chihuly glass sculptures at Kew Gardens

Thoroughly recommend visiting this exhibition if you can. We combined it with a visit to the Marianne North gallery and took all day over it. The sculptures are all based on plants and have been beautifully set around the gardens.