Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.