Kew Gardens - Orchid Festival.

Hi Everyone,

Last weekend I got the chance to go to Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in London to visit their Orchid Festival. The festival was mainly situated in the Princess of Wales Conservatory and showcased spectacularly the garden's collection of Orchids.

White Phalaenopsis.

https://www.kew.org/

A beautiful and colourful arrangement of Orchids from the classic Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis species, to Cymbidiums and Cattleyas: The festival celebrates the Thai Orchid Festival with plants, food and performances. Thailand has over 1100 Orchid species with more being identified every year. The Princess of Wales Conservatory was adorned with vibrant Orchids, jam packed excited children and captivated parents. The sheer number of people bustling about around you sometimes made it difficult to appreciate what you were looking at but the care and detail of the displays shone through brilliantly. Intermittent information panels give you just enough information to peak your interest and keep you moving forward throughout the glasshouses.

Traditional Thai cart on loan from Thailand's embassy in London.

The cost of entering Kew Gardens is quite steep at £16 for an adult but this also covers the cost of the Festival so there was no extra hidden charge. There is a small amount of free parking around the outside of the gardens but I recommend travelling via London underground or bus to avoid disappointment and heartache. The gardens were surprisingly busy even though it was a cold bitter day with no sun shining for miles and wind that chilled my bones to the core. A testament to the popularity of the gardens. The prices are high but the quality food and items make up for the extra money. 

Rice paddy scene with orchids.

A wonderful day out with Orchids drippings from every crevice and a great day out with friends.
Although the orchid festival is only on for a short amount of time I recommend a visit to the gardens at any time of the year.  They are a true endorsement that the importance of natural spaces and gardens will flourish in the coming years.
I hope everyone is staying warm in this snowy weather.
Thanks for reading. 😄

Additional photographs:

Vibrant Orchid tunnel.

Vibrant orchid tunnel viewed from inside.

Traditional Thai boat filled with orchids.

Orchid archways behind Bromeliads.

Bromeliads in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.

Exquisite Orchid Palace.

Paphiopedilum species (Slipper Orchid).