Spring at Kew
By Laura Martin
2020-04-20
Autumn is usually the time to be able to find even the more obscure fruiting bodies, so when the suggestion came of writing a piece on the season and what was happening mycologically speaking, I got ready to go out and explore. Then the rain started. And kept falling. The delightful lawns and vistas became wet, unattractive, not the place to go for a pleasant walk. October slid in to November, the evenings became darker, the article on fungi remained unwritten.
It was when I spoke to the editor in February that I reflect on the situation. I hadn’t written about fungi because there had been so few to see. It was actually, from the perspective of this observer, a poor autumn. Would the spring be better? Obviously, this would not be a reflection on the fungi making an appearance, but on the seasonal display. On this occasion, Kew did not disappoint! Walking around, I soon saw my favourites and was snapping away. I hope you enjoy my selection.
Tulipa 'Van der Neer' currently blooming away! A favourite of mine to see each spring. A vibrant violet bowl shaped bloom.
Also the Great White Cherry at the Japanese garden is currently blossoming and is absolutely stunning, and has attracted many pollinators. Prunus 'Tai-Haku' is the best White Cherry tree here, I think. Close-up below.
Photos by Laura Martin
Some wonderful colourful early flowering rhododendrons, followed by some Summer Snowflakes- Leucojum aestivum.
I love how they tip their bell shaped flowers gracefully!
Now awaiting the gorgeous bluebells to appear in the conservation area- it won't be long!
Finally, one of my absolute favourite treasures of springtime here- Fritillaria meleagris, the snakes head fritillaries. We have purple and white here, in their own little meadow. Nature just carries on whilst the rest of the world stands still. It is sad that the rest of the public can't admire these treasures right now, but that time will come again!
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