Kew Gardens

"People who have extensive grounds themselves are always pleased with any thing in the same style."

—The insufferable Mrs. Elton, Jane Austen's Emma

I just spent ten days in England with my family. As my own garden looks as if it's been neglected for at least ten days, I'm simply going to revisit the trip and deal later with daylilies that need deadheading and weeds that need uprooting.

On our last day, we took a train from London's Waterloo Station to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew — or Kew Gardens. We have been twice before and have now explored most of it. Being at the end of our trip and being a bit tired — and perhaps a bit tired of each other — we kept this visit short and saw some things we've missed in the past: the Palm House, Kew Palace, and the Queen's Garden.

The Palm House

The Palm House is a steamy tropical forest of sorts. At the base of the higher section at the center of the glasshouse is a balcony that follows the perimeter and that you reach via spiral staircases. The balcony offers great views of the treetops and plants below. Clark liked the view, but not so much the oppressive heat. (This balcony strikes me as exactly the kind of thing that would be off limits in the States.)

Kew Palace

Kew Palace is one of the Historic Royal Palaces, which are no longer residences and are maintained by a nonprofit organization. The formally designed garden in front of the palace and the Queen's Garden behind the palace feature English lavender. Although the beds are very symmetrical, the lavender has this charming, whispy character that seems relaxed and comforting. The colors are striking and uncomplicated.

The less formal garden is planted with vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants. And these beds offer somewhat of a riot of colors and textures.

The grounds at Kew Gardens are extensive, but I think the compact and isolated gardens of the palace are my favorites. I am not sure why I haven't planted lavender in our garden. Perhaps I can remedy this after I rescue the garden from its current state.