hot and cold in kew

Just the day for a  heated greenhouse. And what a greenhouse. Blustery cold weather, the type that makes my ears ache, forced me into the Palm House at Kew Gardens when I'd gone with the plan of looking for the first snowdrops. I did find some poking their heads up very prettily, but they couldn't compete with the lure of this amazing building (built 1844-48) and the heating which sustains the most incredible plants. Some are huge, like exotic houseplants on super-steroids, but I liked the more delicate climbers that work their way up the wrought-iron and glass structure, like this passiflora:

 

After warming up I wanted to find the witch hazels but so many of the paths were blocked for various works that I had no option but to retreat into another heated space, the new Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art which shows work from the Kew collection and from Dr Shirley Sherwood's collection. These works are breathtakingly exquisite in their detail and simplicity. I love this sort of art because it uses ultra-plain backgrounds that allow you to see every last nuance of a flower or plant or seed. I came away wanting to own a painting by Susannah Blaxhill whose work stood out in a gallery crammed with botanical gems; her beetroot painting (on her website) is awe-inspiring.

The snowdrops can wait a little longer.

Comments

[willow]

I remember when I visited Kew on my England holiday that my husband and I had a hard time leaving there. The lily house, the Palm House, rose gardens. There was just too much to see in one day.

[Sasha]

There was a gorgeous greenhouse on campus when I was in college that was a favorite winter study spot for a select few of "in the know" students. I need to ferret out a place like that here in my new town. It does one good this time of year to be surrounded by warmth and life for a while, doesn't it?

[mathea]

Oh to be in the Palm House in Kew with you! It's freezing here too, and the idea of a greenhouse is very appealing!
Thank you for the link to Susannah Blaxhill - her paintings are truly great, and the ones on a black background are stunning.

[Hannah]

We were in Richmond Park on Sunday and there were lots of new snowdrops, sheltering from the very cold wind at the foot of the trees around Pembroke Lodge.
The Shirley Sherwood Gallery sounds like it's worth a visit, thank you for the suggestion.

[frances]

Oh, you are making me nostalgic about the lovely wintery visits to Kew that I made in the late 1980's and 90's. Beautiful refuges in those buildings, but also wonder to feel a bit a the freeze outside and see how nature handles the tough months.

Thanks for the photos and the way down memory lane. Cheers!

[Julie]

I visited Kew as a child, dare I say in the sixties! I can still see in my mind the Palm House and other places. I now live in an area that has a beauty spot called "Snowdrop Valley".

[Jayne]

I want to thank you for your huge influence in my life. On Saturday, I visited my daughter, recently moved to London. We happily shopped at Persephone books, Liberty yarn department and Loop, and I was very aware that I would not have known of the existence of any of these delightful places without your blog! I purchased, and am avidly reading "A Very Great Profession", once again, appreciating the way your blog gently educates me! Many thanks x

[Derya]

I'm impressed that you managed to get some shots. My camera steamed up the moment I walked into the palm house!

[Sue]

Aren't you lucky to be having snow! We now have the worst drought on record, with the most horrific bushfires. 181 people have perished in Victoria since last Saturday, which was the hottest day on record 46.6C in Melbourne. Enjoy your snow and cold whilst you can, and spare a thought for us "down under" who are in dire need of some of your cold and snow!!!

[Britt-Arnhild]

Looks like we were in Kew almost at the same time:
http://brittarnhildshouseinthewoods.typepad.com/brittarnhilds_house_in_th/2009/02/a-full-day-in-kew-garden.html