Wednesday 4 December 2013

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London

London based Garden Designer review of Kew Gardens. Autumn colour in landscape design


Kew Gardens has the reputation as one of the most famous horticultural establishment in London - perhaps even the world. Winter may not seem like the ideal time of year for a visit but the richness of colour and the interesting landscaping can inspire and surprise even on a cold grey day.

Autumn colour in landscape design. Photo by Oliver Borrow.

Beautiful Browns
Being a botanical garden, Kew is bursting with unusual trees from around the world - resulting in an amazing variety of browns, reds and yellows at this time of year. The colours seem somehow brighter and more vibrant against the dark grey skies of the coming winter. The grasses in the Grass Garden around Davies Alpine House really come into their own in autumn.

Autumn colours. Photo by Oliver Borrow (London Garden Designer)

Autumn colour in landscape design.

Autumnal grasses at Kew. Photo by Oliver Borrow, London.

Winter at Kew Gardens, London. Photo by garden designer Oliver Borrow.

Autumn grasses in landscape design. Kew Gardens, London.

Winter Interest
Avenues of trees create amazing vistas, cutting through the grounds for what seems like miles. Without any distraction from flowers and fluffiness the architectural layout of the landscape really shines.

London based Garden Designer review of Kew Gardens. Landscape vista in landscape design

London based Garden Designer review of Kew Gardens. Topiary in landscape design

London based Garden Designer review of Kew Gardens. Winter interest in landscape design

London based Garden Designer review of Kew Gardens. Views in landscape design


Architecture
The grounds are packed with architectural gems. The Temperate House and Palm House are a marvel of ironwork and glass. In stark contrast to simple lines and utility of today the Victorians haven't missed a single inch when it comes to decoration... scrolled ironwork, finials, and Grecian pots adorn every surface.

Architecture in landscape design, Kew Gardens, London.

Palms and ferns in landscape design. Kew Gardens. Photo: Oliver Borrow, London.

Tropical planting in landscape design. Kew Gardens, London. Photo by Oliver Borrow.

Photo by garden designer, Oliver Borrow, London.

Architecture and garden design at Kew Gardens, London.

Photo by Oliver Borrow, garden designer, London.


Winter Warmth
Kew is a great garden to visit in the cold! The beautifully warm glasshouses are a treat, each filled with flowers and lush planting... As you walk through the glasshouses you are taken on a journey from tropical forests to deserts full of cacti all with their own temperatures and landscapes.

Water in landscape design. London based Garden Designer review of Kew Gardens.








In summary...

The highlight for me was undoubtedly the Grass Garden with its amazing display and variety of grasses... truly inspirational and a reminder of how some well placed grasses can transform a winter garden of any size. Glasshouses can start to look a little samey after a while as lush green planting and palms all start to blur together - though Kew has made a real effort to make them something special. Will be back for another look around when the Temperate House reopens in 2018 after restoration.


London based Garden Designer review of Kew Gardens. Autumn colour in landscape design

London based Garden Designer review of Kew Gardens. Winter colour in landscape design

Kew Garden garden design, London.


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