Some Images from Kew Gardens
Kew is an incredible place. Nature is incredible. I loved the shapes, colours and textures. I couldn’t stop taking photos.
My Great Grandfather used to work here as a head gardener. I feel a connection.
Some Images from Kew Gardens – Photos
Thanks for the photos Opher. ‘Tis quite an achievement for your Grandfather to have been Head Gardener at Kew.
The last time I visited Kew was on a school trip, 45+ years ago. With the exception of the Pegoda and the heat inside the large Victorian greenhouse, I remember very little (of the Gardens themselves) other than enjoying the coach-trip there and back and home-made jam sandwiches mum had packed in my lunchbox. Strange what one recalls from childhood.
Nature’s diverse self-expression never ceases to amaze.
DN
Hi Dewin,
He was supposed to have buried a horse beneath the vine!! I presume it was dead!
😀 Really? Or is that an old family myth? Bloody hell, I hope it was dead! Whose horse was it? And why bury it at Kew?
Stay Alert…whatever the hell that actually means??!
DN
Be alert – your country needs lerts!!
Yes it is an old family myth – though it might be true. Supposedly it was a manure, a rich source of nutrient for the vine. I don’t know any more than that.
Great post 😁
Thank you. I’ll put some more up tomorrow.
Ha ha! I’m not a lert, I’m a free man! I’ve seen a mockery of the Tory slogan read: Back to Work – Herd Immunity – Save Capitalism (1)
Then perhaps it was a cart-load of manure buried ‘neath the vine, which over the years, transmuted to become cart-horse buried ‘neath the vine: the manure part dropped to fashion the myth.
DN
(1) – https://skwawkbox.org/2020/05/10/governments-new-slogan-derided-as-meaningless-as-johnson-primes-uk-for-lock-down-downgrade-and-thousands-more-deaths/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=governments-new-slogan-derided-as-meaningless-as-johnson-primes-uk-for-lock-down-downgrade-and-thousands-more-deaths
Now then Dewin – try to be alert even if you don’t want to be.
It is still possible that this bunch of fools is looking for herd immunity – but more likely, in my opinion, they are dithering around trying to please a vociferous group of idiots.
No – it was definitely a horse – at least according to family myths.
I know about remaining aware Opher, I’ve been working throughout the full period of lock-down! It is no field day. Generally speaking, my employer responded well, and relatively quickly, in keeping staff safe.
Those who may shortly be returning to work must insist – perhaps through their respective Unions – that their employer comply with ALL necessary precautions to protect employees. I think it essential the U.K government provide absolute clarity on the standards of C-19 prevention businesses must implement and maintain in-house. After-all, C-19 isn’t going away overnight.
Other nations around the globe look on in absolute disbelief at the diabolical incompetence of the U.K government’s handling of this pandemic. The Tory government rightfully deserves to be slated. The flame of their international standing barely burns more than a spark.
I think you should investigate the horse-myth further. Could be the making of a decent poem!
DN
Glad to hear that you are keeping safe. Are you enjoying your work now? What are your plans?
They have been lambasted in Europe and I think they will be roundly castigated here to – once this has died down.
It is very difficult to find records of what went on back then. Liz is looking into the family tree. We’ll see. He was also supposedly the guy who Forsythia is named after.
By degrees, the job brings its own rewards, and I enjoy the company of those I work with. Staying safe is key, and in that regard I do my best to maintain hygienic habits and follow the rules: it’d be foolish not to, both to myself, my family, and just as importantly to others. However, staying aware and being mindful is mentally quite tiring.
A few years ago I settled down to do my family tree, building on documents and findings my grandfather gathered together. It’s fascinating what one discovers! (Famous musicians, Pirate Buccaneers, scandal, distant ties to Wales, and Merlin!) Use of online tools and free-web-sites will help your endeavor no end. Good luck! Your deliberations will spawn many stories and tall tales!
DN
Now did I tell you the time that one of my ancestors single-handedly fought a dragon, subdued it and they became good friends, travelling the world and into distant dimensions only known to the dragon clan? Did I not? I’ll have to dig the story out.
Ha Ha, a likely tale!! 😉 But yes, dig it out and post it for our pleasure. I’d be intrigued.
DN
I won’t tolerate any cynicism. It would be a straight account of what happened without embellishment.
I have a picture of my father and I at Kew when I was about 5.
We also had a vine at home and it was supposed to be fed on dried blood (which you could buy in bags) so I suppose a dead horse would serve.
But when did you take the photos Opher?
When we lived in London we were only about 3 miles from Kew. We sometimes had season tickets but I always remember thinking you had to be pretty affluent to go there (or eat in the cafes!).
We are still in Spain where it has been colder than London recently and pretty wet – thank goodness.
I took them about fifteen years ago. I rarely get the opportunity to visit. My parents used to take me and I was besotted with the pagoda. I think there is probably truth to the myth. I’m not convinced a dead horse would be good for a vine though.
It’s turned cold and dank as the icy winds come down from the Artic. Must have dropped fourteen degrees!!
Well of course it’ll not be embellished, who’d even dare suggest such a thing, but just for good measure – to reassure your discerning readers – why not attach documented evidence as a set of appendices to prove your claims 😉
DN
I will endeavour to unearth the documents from various kings, wizards, realms and otherdimensional beings. I know I have them somewhere.
Really lovely images!
It was magical Pooj.