Kew

Discussion in 'Garden Visits' started by Freddy, Jun 29, 2018.

  1. Freddy

    Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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    Hello chums :)
    Me and Aunt Sally are considering visiting Kew, when we spend a few days away visiting London. We’ll be there around the last week of August. So, is it ‘all that’? I was watching Gardeners World tonight where they featured the restoration of main (?) glasshouse which houses tropical ferns and the like. Nice, of course, but apart from the specimen trees and suchlike in the grounds, is that it? I am of course being simplistic, but as a yardstick, I loved Wisley. So, worth a visit?
    Cheers, Freddy.
     
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      I am ashamed to say that I haven't been, despite living within a very short distance of it and running bus services past it for many years. It is extremely popular, and I have only heard positive things about it, so I would say it is definitely worth a visit.

      I know the area around Kew very well indeed, so if I can assist with any travel guidance or directions (or even good places to park a car), please do feel free to get in touch
       
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      • CanadianLori

        CanadianLori Total Gardener

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        I spent most of my last day in England, visiting the gardens. The areas underglass are amazing. There are benches scattered everywhere to relax and enjoy the peaceul surroundings. They have the summer house of the King... hmmm, can't remember which one, well, the one with umpty children, and there are people tnere who tell you all about the workings of the spits for cooking etc. They have a couple of lovely areas to sit and have a cuppa and sweets or a sandwich. And I liked the gift shop too. :)
         
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        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          I haven't been for 10yrs, but if you like Wisley you will find Kew a couple of notches up on that, IMO.
          Probably dependant on what appeals to you, but for me the it is the greenhouses.

          Outside is good also, but dont remember large areas of herbaceous perennials etc. that you get at Wisley.
           
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          • CanadianLori

            CanadianLori Total Gardener

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            Forgot to mention that the glass house which has the trees etc, you can't take a picture in there. The humidity fogs up your lens !
             
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            • pete

              pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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              I'm thinking of going back again one day.
              @Fat Controller , is it still possible to park outside the Victoria gate after 10pm?
               
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              • Fat Controller

                Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                @pete - yes, it is. The parking has been rearranged somewhat, but it is still there. There are quite a few other options too, for during the daytime - either paid parking nearby, or if you are tight like me free parking a wee bit of a drive away and then bus it to Kew. Likewise, happy to advise on the surrounding area, public transport etc.
                 
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                • CanadianLori

                  CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                  And a good percentage of us qualify for consideration rates .. :heehee:
                   
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                  • Fat Controller

                    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                    That is only because we love Canadians :)
                     
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                    • pete

                      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                      Stupid me, I meant 10am.:lunapic 130165696578242 5:
                       
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                      • Fat Controller

                        Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                        I twigged that - I doubt they would let you into the gardens after 10pm, even if you did have a fancy sleeping bag ;) :biggrin:
                         
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                        • CanadianLori

                          CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                          That is where I bought my king protea seeds.

                          And also the picture of the month entry, "Floating", which is a lttle foggy.

                          I burst out laughing in there. As soon as I saw that giant 10 foot or so lily pad, I thought about the old Tarzan movie where boy floats down the river dangerously close to a giant waterfall... way too much fun :) Course lots must have thought I was a bit nuts but I didn't care.. :) I did stifle quickly and don't think I woke anybody up...:heehee:
                           
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                          • Freddy

                            Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                            Thanks for the replies folks :thumbsup: Sounds like I shouldn’t miss an opportunity. @Fat Controller , the plan is to catch a train and link up with the overground/underground. Not quite sure offhand how it works in practice, although I was assured by the site warden that it’s easy enough, and that it’s a good location for exploring the capital.
                             
                          • Fat Controller

                            Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                            It is dead easy - nearer the time, once you know where you are staying, let me know and I will give you plenty of detail to get you to Kew, and also any other places you want to visit. To be honest, by the time you visit Kew and then have yourself a meal (I am thinking Richmond, happy to recommend some choices...), you will kill a day quite easily.

                            Any questions, you know where I am.

                            PS - In case I forget, remind me to PM you my mobile number, just in case you need any 'on the hoof' directions whilst you are here.
                             
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                            • Freddy

                              Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                              That might well be a great help, thanks. We’re staying here...
                              https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-...kinghamshire/wyatts-covert-caravan-club-site/
                               
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