Seed Walk Sculptures

On my way out of Kew gardens I spotted these exquisite sculptures. The information board explained how the artist, Tom Hare, recreates enlarged sculptures of various seeds, pods and fruit by using willow branches and steel frames to commemorate the success of Kew's millenium seed bank. They are visually stunning and should be admired for the attention to detail especially since the media used is not fully malleable.

Star Anise

Lotus Seed Head

Orchid extravaganza at Kew Gardens

The Princess of Wales conservatory is divided into 10 zones. Due to the maze-like nature of the footpaths, I only managed to see 6 which was a pity because 2 of the ones I missed were carnivorous plants (which would have been nice to see) Many people came to see the orchids that were in bloom. Beautiful and exotic, they adorned the room like jewellery on a mannequin. It was also interesting to see the desert plants and the tricks they use to camouflage themselves against predators!

These long green ovals are not stones but plants! They grow mainly in South Africa's dry lands and are easier to spot once they flower.

A true blue orchid- no dyes involved. Name on tag: Vanda Coerulea

Time for their steam bath! This happens roughly every 5 minutes in order to maintain the 'tropical' atmosphere.

A bridge provides a higher view of the surroundings as well as means to cross over the pond.

This beauty grows upside down, hanging from a higher point.

This is possibly the most modern landscaping in kew that I have seen other than the tree top walk. Minimal yet elegant, a perfect counterpart to the heavily planted gardens surrounding it.

Japanese Garden at Kew

On my way to the orchid extravaganza in Kew, I passed by the Japanese Garden. Divided into the garden of harmony, activity, peace and drystone the site reminded me of the Japanese garden in Holland Park but more sad and empty (which could have been due to the time of year). The main feature of the garden seems to be the stone pebbles raked in specific patterns to resemble flowing water. It requires much less maintenance than a pond and yet is just as striking.

Plan view of the park

Spotted! A bee going about it's business

The material palette of the garden

Anthony McCall- Vertical Works

Finding this place was bordering on a nightmare. Told to go underground, we ended up spending 15 minutes scrutinising every service door in the parking lot and attempting to pry open others due to the absence of signs. Eventually we joined another group as lost as we were and finally found a teeny tiny sign pointing us in the right direction. For all the frustration gained, it dissipated once I saw the exhibition. Upon entering the space, you are blind. Shrouded in darkness (save a few low watt light bulbs indicating stairs) you see lines of light moving across the floor in a lazy manner.

As your eyes accustom to the darkness, you notice the ‘walls’ of the lines narrowing up to a point in the projector. Although made up of nothing more than light, they almost feel solid in appearance. The magical part is the different feelings you get when observing it outside, inside the image and lying down looking up. The way they are able to change your perception of space reminds me of James Turrell's works. They feel like barriers that you cannot enter or exit, narrowing the space till you feel like you might be crushed or swallowed and at times, sinister in its movement.

Madame Butterfly

When I went to see Madame Butterfly at the Royal Albert Hall, I was in for a surprise. The stage floor had been flooded in order to recreate the scene as a traditional Japanese water garden. It was incredible to see how quickly and efficiently the water was drained between acts and its beauty when candles were set afloat. Photos were not allowed during the opera except before and between acts.

Visit to Merrist Wood, Guilford

Today was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about horticulture and the softer side of landscaping and maintenance. Ellen Sivell, Sophie Guinness and Brian Rodger were fantastic at explaining the various methods involved in each situation.

Our room where we learnt how to sow seeds. First over fill the tray with soil then tap it down three times to give the soil compaction. Too much air inside and then it will sink when you water it. Next, scrape off the excess with a wooden spatula and press down with a wooden board so that you have a nice even and compact surface. This is to ensure that when you sow the seeds, you will have an even germination. Then you must water it before sowing (if you water after sowing then the seeds may be washed off). Give it a good soak with the watering can nozzle turned upwards to avoid the water hitting the soil too hard, sow the seeds with spaces between them for easier separation later and finally label it with the name and date.

Ellen Sivell holding up an example of grafting.

An example of a plant to avoid buying. The roots have become so entertwined that it will eventually strangle itself and die.

A log cut up in different shapes and sizes to create a variety of habitats for beetles and other insects.

Plant Propagation. This was extremely painful to watch.

Air roots of this tree hanging down.

The venus fly trap! Apparently if you trick it to close without food for it to eat, it will eventually die since the energy it expends snapping shut is usually replenished by the prey it digests.

Brian Rodger showing us the various tools used for maintenance and taught us how to sharpen them.

On our way to continue building the hedgerow.

The far left is cut I made! It was hard work but great fun and interesting to see the almost mathmatical process of creating hedgerows.