2013 Euro Vacation: London Parks

London Parks
While the weather was sunny in the first two weeks, we visited Kew Gardens and Regents Park (along with half the population of London and their dogs). The daffodils were past their prime, but the tulips were brilliant. Kew Palace was also open in Kew Gardens, so we had a look through - great house with a very nice herb garden at the rear, full of useful plants. They are each captioned with mediaeval medical advice on how they should be used. For example we are advised by 16th Century medico Gerard, that the Iris Germanica (Common Flower de Luce) is "Good for those that are troubled with cramps or convulsions, and for such as are bitten by serpents".
Gerard was also of the view that a globe artichoke, steeped in wine and eaten, would "stirreth up the lust of the bodie". Powerful stuff!
Kew Gardens

Kangaroo Paws a long way from home!

Happy Kew ducks

Kew Temperate House - largest Victorian glass building still standing

Temperate House ironmongery - due for a 5 year 30M quid refit later this year

Treetop walk - the easy way

Kew treetop walk

WTF ! Tree roots wrapped up for removal

Gingko tree plus tourist with camera

Kew Tulips

Kew Palace - nice place but didn't stop
old King George from going crazy

Kew Gardens landscape

And more tulips ...

Regents Park
Regents Park was full of Spring flowers - a lot of pixels were consumed trying to capture the feel of it, but there were so many magnificent flower beds that it was not possible to do it justice in an afternoon.