The Woodland Garden is one of several areas at Kew
that look utterly glorious at this time of year. Many species that grow in
woodland conditions have adapted their growth to flower in spring, making the
most of the comparatively high light levels. Deciduous woodland trees are only
just beginning to unfurl their fresh foliage, so these cunning woodland coves
mop up the available light before the canopy forms overhead and they are
plunged into dappled light or complete darkness! Some early flowering woodland
specimens will disappear after setting seed, dying back completely until late
winter next year; however some others will tough it out for the summer months
and proudly brave their foliage amidst the shaded conditions. Thankfully the
Woodland Garden is well planted so after this early peak the interest continues,
with many later-flowering specimens still to come such as the Actea and Lilium.
I am somewhat distracted by lectures at this point in time, but I hope you
enjoy these highlights of a recent, brief, foray into the garden!
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| The familiar snowdrop-type glory of Leucojum aestivum |
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| Erythronium hendersonii has these richly coloured
tepals, and is one of many Erythronium species planted in the Woodland Garden |
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| Erythronium oregonum reveals the drooping nature of
these wonderful flowers! Erythronium ‘Hidcote Beauty’ can be seen here, a gem
we grew on the Acid Border at Hidcote |
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| Dense clumps of Fritillaria imperialis are one of the
most exciting features to be seen at this time of year, these incredible plants
seen best in strong groups |
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| Detail of the F. imperialis, which are also a favourite
of the honeybees and bombus |
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| The fresh foliage of Sorbus aronioides bears these
delicate wrinkles, followed by white flowers and then later on by autumn
berries |
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| The magnolia display is well underway at Kew, this
here is M. sprengeri var. diva |
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| Magnolia campbellii is one of the best species, and is
completely covered in huge, Alice in Wonderland, cup-and-saucer blooms! |
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| The buds are covered in thick hair, which fall away
as the wonder unfurls |
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| The floral parts are suitably beautiful! |
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| One of my most enjoyable sights of the year, Fritillaria
meleagris |
