In a classic English landscaped park, unpredictability is bound to be present. Walking through picturesque alleys while immersed in the harmony of natural beauty you may be unexpectedly surprised by the designer’s reincarnation of the landscape around every corner. It could be an artificial lake harmoniously blended into the landscape, or a murmuring spring with a striking waterfall surrounded by stone boulders. Sometimes ancient ruins adorn a corner of the garden, although their “authenticity” is always doubtful.
The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew in West London embody all the classical traditions of the landscape art, as well as one of the largest collections of plants in the world, in the region of 30.000 species and the second largest herbarium with over 7,000,000 specimens. These botanical gardens, originated in 1670 from the vegetable garden of a botanist called William Turner. Since then, it has grown into a huge park with a Royal palace, Victorian greenhouses and a botanical research center. At any time of the seasons, the unique beauty of the flora changes into various shades of color. The pictures here were taken in October, on a clear sunny day. Last autumn we had an abundance of purple crocuses surrounded by fallen golden autumn leaves with buds of violet clover and an amazing variety of red flowers.
The Chinese pagoda, inspired by early travelers to China, first appeared on the grounds of Stowe Park, a beautiful stately home in Buckingamshire. In the traditional Chinese art of gardening, asymmetrical compositions normally dominate the landscape. In the Botanical Gardens of Kew a wooden Chinese Pagoda was constructed in 1761 and has recently been restored on the 250th anniversary of the Royal Gardens. Next to this Great Pagoda a Japanese temple has been erected surrounded by a Japanese style garden and adorned with traditional Japanese type gates.
The amazing thing to be found at Kew, is a treetop walk built in 2008, this pedestrian bridge supported by huge pylons at a height of 15 meters with a length of some 200 meters. You can take a lift up to it or climb the stairs and go for a walk to look at some magnificent panoramic views whilst this metal walkway rocks and sways you in the wind.
The Temperate House is the largest surviving building of the Victorian greenhouses and the Palm House houses a wonderful collection of tropical plants, not very far away is the Alpine House with an unusual design and a collection of alpine plants.
Among too many other things to see in these beautiful surroundings are strolling Peacocks, a Water lily House, a wonderful cactus collection and many picturesque secluded overgrown gazebos where you can hide in at any time of the year.
Finally, there is a very large indoor and outdoor play area to satisfy any child as well as several restaurants if you fancy a drink, snack or meal.
