GLIMPSES OF PARADISE

     

The Pink Kew Palace

Interior View

                

                                                                    Kew Palace

                                    1)        A brick-red Flemish mansion small

                                               Housed a king and his family all

                                               With tiny furniture, pictures and painted walls

                                               Amidst vast lawns and crowded trees too tall ;

                                               A peaceful retreat for the queen and king supreme.

                                               To spend time with kids and happily dream.

The blooming Lotus

  

Water-Lily House

                                                                  Water-Lily House

                                                                                                                                  

                                     2)         A cool and cosy natural haven I found

                                                 With broad-leaved plants growing around ;

                                                 In midst a pond studded with round lilies bright

                                                 Tinted red, blue, purple and white ;

                                                 A floral treasure that gives you immense pleasure

                                                 A picturesque site beyond one's earthly measure.

Palm House

Interior View

              

                                                                                                                                    Palm House

                                            

                                       3)        Glass walls strengthened with frames of steel

                                                   Heated by gas, a warm climate to feel

                                                   The spacious farm to grow the tropical palms

                                                   Tall majestic forms with dense green charm ;

                                                   Trees from Africa and India found

                                                   Like colonnades with dark leaves crowned.

                                       4)         The cocoa trees with oval fruits dark-brown

                                                    The rubber palms with tall trunks grown;

                                                    The African palm and the Mexican Yam

                                                    In central wing revealed their tropical charm ;

                                                    The broad-leaved papaya with fruits of gold

                                                    The smooth-stemmed banana with fruits manifold.

                                         5)        A world of palms seen with majestic pride

                                                    With a pretty view of the pond beside

                                                    With spiral stairways to view from above height

                                                    Stout Jack-fruits and mangoes-- a pretty sight ;

                                                    The coconut, cane trees and peach palms found
                                                    An enchanting dense green all around.

Davies Alpine House

Alpine Flowers

                                                                                     

                                                               Davies Alpine House

                                         6)         The arch-shaped glass house glistening bright

                                                     To grow rare plants and herbs of Alpine height

                                                     Gleams with glass roof and shaded walls

                                                     Through which only mild sunlight falls

                                                     To grow rare specimens like ferns and thyme

                                                     Santiago blooms and Chilean Crocus of  dry, cool clime.

orchids

Desert Plants

                  

                                                          Princess of Wales Conservatory

                                         7)         The Princess made a pretty haven meet

                                                     To sustain the name of Augusta sweet

                                                     For rarest plants of tropical countries fare

                                                     In cosy glass enclosures with intense care

                                                     Where colorful orchids and cacti grow

                                                     In warm weather made up with eastern glow.

                                         8)        The desert plants grow up in grotesque forms
                                                    Thick-skinned with thorny scales, an exotic charm ;
                                                    With dangling roots marshy mangroves are found
                                                    While banana and pineapple thrive on moist ground ;
                                                    Green ferns and orchids in multitudinous hues
                                                    All at one place, of different climes, a fantastic view.

Sweet chestnut tree

The Tree Top Walkway

                                                             The Tree Top Walkway

                                       9)      A hanging walkway across the glade
                                                To view tree tops with dense green shade ;
                                                An aerial view of trees with stunning surprise ;
                                                Tall chestnut trees, pines and mighty oaks rise
                                                Like lofty Titans with prodigious might
                                                A wondrous feeling felt from such heavenly height.

Hogarth Prints on walls

Ceiling painting done by the princess

                                                                   The Charlotte Cottage

                                          10)       A pretty cottage at the western end
                                                      In peaceful surroundings time to spend
                                                      For the royal couple to rest awhile
                                                      Sipping tea with guests, to chat and smile ;
                                                      A pastoral haven in sylvan green

                                                      Where jet-black swans and pheasants were seen.

                                         11)       Where royal children played and wandered free
                                                     Amidst blue bell gardens and dense-grown trees
                                                     Glancing at kangaroos, mules and buffaloes with glee
                                                     A merry treat for them, this zoo, to see.
                                                     Decked with bamboo works, paintings and floral art
                                                     This thatched abode, a welcome resort.
    

The Japanese Pagoda

Closer View  of the Pagoda

                                                            The Japanese Pagoda                                          

                                       12)        A conical Japanese lofty tower
                                                    With ten tiers built upon one another
                                                    With shining roofs adorned with dragons red
                                                    Steeped in eastern splendor of gold wide-spread ;
                                                    A central stairway leads to topmost state
                                                    A fit ornament to this garden great.

Carving on the gate

The Japanese Gateway

Front part of the gate

Wooden carvings

                                                             The Japanese Gateway

                                           13)      Near the imposing Pagoda seen
                                                      The Japanese Gateway, an exotic scene ;
                                                      A replica of Kyota's splendid arch
                                                      With pretty carvings none could match ;
                                                      Wood-carved flowers, creepers and beasts espied
                                                      Fraught with legends of past on every side.
                                                           

Garden of Peace, Japanese Landscape

Stone Lantern and stone basin

       
                   


                   

Garden of  Harmony, Japanese Landscape

                 

Garden of Activity

   











                                                                  The Japanese Landscape

                                          14)      Surrounded by Japanese landscape vast
                                                     Where eastern flora flourishes complementing art ;
                                                     With snow-white cherry blooms and anemones red
                                                     With bright pink clusters of rhododendron spread
                                                     With bamboo groves and sacred cypress seen
                                                     With pearly white magnolia in silver sheen.


                                         15)      The Garden of Peace flanked by smooth stone-baths found
                                                    With water trickling gently into the basin round ;
                                                    A symbol of calm, contemplative mind ;
                                                    On southern slope another symbolic find
                                                    The Garden of Activity with stones fraught
                                                    Shows the dynamic flow of life in art.

                                        16)      Linking these artistic gardens is seen
                                                   The Garden of Harmony, a beautiful scene ;
                                                   With scattered stones and boulders on every side
                                                   To show Nature's rich diversity wide
                                                   Interspersed with Japanese shrubs with bright
                                                   Blooming colors of pink, red, purple and white.
                                                       
                                                              

Cherry Blossoms

                           

Stone Tablet with Japanese Haiku

   








                                                                    Conclusion


                                   17)        A vast treasure of Nature's wisdom we find
                                                For votaries of plants to enrich their minds ;
                                                With thousands of rare plants tended with care ;
                                                A fabulous consortium seen nowhere ;
                                                Famed as the greatest Botanical Venue
                                                This sparkling gem of Natural beauty at Kew.


                                 18)         So many strove hard to maintain this spot
                                               Where realms of Science support the realms of Art ;
                                               Patronized by kings and philanthropists great
                                               Ev'n from abroad this magnificent estate ;
                                               The arbors of fabled Elysium we can't surmise ;
                                               But here we can behold the glimpses of paradise.

                                                     ******************************

                            12th August, 2015                                         Somaseshu  Gutala

                    Short Notes :

       1)    Kew Gardens : Located at Richmond-on-Thames ,10 miles west of central London. Founded in 
               1759 by Lord Capel , and extended by Augusta, Dowager Princess, Mother of George III.
       2)    Kew Palace   :  A pretty dutch mansion built by Samuel Fortrey in 1631. It was taken on
               lease by George II in 1729 and later purchased by George III in 1781.The king and queen
               used  to stay here to relax along with their family whenever the king was not well.
      3)    Water-Lily House : Located opposite to the northern end of the Palm-House, this glass house                     having a 36-feet wide circular pond built  in 1852. Many kinds of water-lilies, aquatic plants ,                   and creepers are kept in this house.
     4)     Palm House  :  This green house (363 ft.x100ft.) was built in 1848. In the northern wing palms
             from Asia, Australia and Pacific region  are displayed. In the southern wing palms from Africa
             and  India are kept. In the central wing palms from America are seen. In the basement of this
             house  the marine aquarium housing marine plants is an added attraction.
     5)    Davies Alpine House : Located on the northern end of the rock garden, this 50-feet long glass
            house has been re-built or modified many times. (1881, 1938, 1981 and 2006). Many rare
            kinds of plants which survive in cool and dry Alpine Climate are displayed here.
     6)    Princess of Wales Conservatory :  Designed by Gordon Wilson, this computer-controlled
            climatic glass house re-creates ten climatic zones to preserve various types of dry tropical, wet
            tropical and desert plants along with carnivorous species, ferns and orchids. This house was 
            opened in 1987 by Diana, Princess of Wales in memory of Augusta.
     7)   The Tree Top Walkway : Located between the Temperate House and the lake this strong
            bridge spanning about 200 metres at a height of 18 metres gives a spectacular view of tree
            tops. One can go up by a staircase having 118 steps. Lift facility is also available. One can
            look at the gigantic trees like the oak, lemon, pine and chestnut trees an also enjoy the sight of
            various birds, insects, fungi and lichen on these trees. This was designed by the famous
            Marks Barfield Architects in 2008.
    8)     Charlotte Cottage : used as a retreat by the queen Charlotte and her husband George III.
            Built during 1754 and 1771, this red brick building with a thatched roof and pretty furniture
            was used as a resting place for the royal persons. Once there was a small zoo in the paddock.
            Now it has been converted into a garden.
    9)    The Japanese Pagoda : Designed by William Chambers in imitation of the Chinese Ta (Tower)
            this 163-foot high pagoda with ten octagonal storeys was erected in 1762. There is a central
            stairway with 253 steps.
  10)    The Japanese Gateway :  This gateway was designed for Japan-British exhibition at White City
            in London in 1910. In 1911 it was re-constructed on the Mossy Hill near the pagoda in 1911.
            A close replica of the ceremonial gateway of Nishi Hongan-ji temple of Kyoto in Japan.
  11)     The Japanese Landscape: This was laid out in 1996 during restoration of the Japanese gateway.
            Spreading over an area of 5000 sq.m. the Japanese landscape comprises three parts. The 
            Garden of Peace is at the entrance representing a typical Japanese tea garden with stone lanterns
            and a dripping water basin. The Garden of Activity lies on the southern side of the gateway
            representing the elements of the natural world such as waterfalls, mountains and the sea. The
            gravel and rocks arranged in curved pattern shows the movement of the flowing water. The
            Garden of Harmony links the Garden of Peace and the Garden of Activity. The stones with
             typical Japanese plants and trees represent the mountainous regions of Japan.
  12)      Stone Tablet  : At the side of the Garden of Harmony a granite block with a haiku (poem)
             engraved on it is seen. This poem was composed by the famous Haiku poet, Kyoshi
             Takahama. In English it reads like this; "Even sparrows
                                                                        Freed from all fear of man
                                                                        England in spring."

   
                                                                                    

  
                 

                     
     

 

                                                                                                               

                                                                

                                                        

                                                          

                                                           

                     

ABOUT KEW GARDENS (PART--I I )

Elizabeth Gate

Victoria Gate

                   

Brentford Gate

    

Lion Gate

 There are four gateways or entrances to this Royal Botanical gardens. The main gate is "Elizabeth Gate",from where you can visit Kew Palace and Orangery Restaurant. "The Brentford Gate" faces the river Thames and from here you can approach the Palm House and the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Near the "The Victoria Gate" there is Kew Explorer Service,Victoria Plaza and the Visitors'Center. Near "The Lion Gate" we can see the Japanese Pagoda and relax at the Pavilion Restaurant. We entered through Elizabeth Gate. At first we went to see the Kew Palace built by Samuel Fortrey,  a Dutch merchant in 1631. Later this was taken on lease by King George II in  1729. Later George III purchased this palace in 1781.This is the smallest palace  owned by royal family. It looked like an ordinary mansion with pretty furniture, paintings and 200-year old kitchen with utensils and crockery. At the rear side of the building there is the queen's garden with17th century medicinal plants grown in the small area. We can also see the library room of George III who was interested in collecting books. George IV was born here. Queen Charlotte with her fifteen children and husband used to spend her time when the king was not well.This palace is administered by Historic Royal Palaces. To commemorate the royal visit of Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of the bi-centenary celebrations of the Royal Botanical Kew Gardens in1959, a replica of the sundial of 17th century famous clock maker,Thomas Tompion, made by Martin Holden, was installed here at the entrance.

Kew Palace

Couch in Kew Palace

 

Kitchen, Kew Palace

Queen's Herbal Garden

                        






    Charlotte Cottage :  We had no time left to visit this thatched retreat of Queen Charlotte who used to come here with her husband and guests during her walks to take tea and refreshments. Set in the natural scenery it became a favorite spot for both the king and the queen. Inside we can find Hogarth prints, Chinese style chairs and bamboo- made furniture and the wall painting made by the George III's daughter, Princess Elizabeth. In the rear side there was a paddock where many exotic animals were used to be bred such as kangaroos, buffaloes, black swans and zebras. It looked like a small menagerie and  provided much entertainment to royal children. In 1806 this open space was converted into a garden with many beautiful flowering plants. The blue bell woods is a pretty sight to see.

Blue Bell Woods

Charlotte Cottage

Nash Conservatory and Orangery : Nash Conservatory was a beautiful glass house with ceiling windows  originally built in  Buckingham palace for hosting functions and parties. But this building was shifted to Kew Gardens brick by brick in 1836 by the orders of king William IV. This glass house with sufficient ventilation and gleaming floor has a capacity to accommodate nearly 200 people. At present it is used for organizing various civil functions , weddings and photography exhibitions. The orangerie was designed by the famous architect, William Chambers built this house citrus plants in 1761. But the room was too dark and was not convenient for the purpose. So the plants were removed by Sir William Hooker, Director of Kew Gardens to Kensington Palace in 1841. Later in 1862 it was converted into a timber museum. Afterwards it was used for holding various functions and parties. Ultimately in 1989 it was converted in to a restaurant where nearly 180 persons can celebrate parties or wedding ceremonies.

                                                                      

orangery Restaurant

Nash Conservatory

    








  The Tree Top Walkway : The Tree Top Walkway is another attractive feature added to this garden in. It is a hanging bridge, 59 feet above ground and is 660 feet long which will give you to get a panoramic view of the trees from an elevated level. There is a staircase with 118 steps to climb up to the walkway. There is lift facility for the  elderly and disabled visitors. This walkway was designed by Marks Barfield Architects (the designers of the famous "London Eye") in 2008. Nearly four hundred tons of steel were used to make this strong walkway supported with steel trusses and pylons.One can enjoy the biodiversity of woods with a variety of trees like sweet chestnut, lime, oak, and pine trees on which we can see various types of birds and insects. It is really a thrilling experience to view dense clusters of woods from such a height.

Tree Top Way

Japanese Pagoda

   








                                                             
             



The Japanese Pagoda :  This tall 163-feet high conical tree-like construction with ten octagonal storeys covered with ceramic tiles and adorned with wooden dragons painted in gold was designed by William Chambers in 1762. The staircase is in the middle having 253 steps. The wooden dragons were removed in 1784 during repairs. But efforts are on to restore these dragons in future to add more glory to this beautiful construction located amidst tall green trees.

The Japanese Gateway

The pink Rhododendron Plants

    




                    
 

Carved figures on Japanese Gateway

Statue of Shisa (Lion-dog) Near Victoria Gate

Water Trough, Garden of  Peace

Garden of Activity

  











  The Japanese Gateway or Gateway of the Imperial Messenger (Chokushi MON) :

 Another oriental decorative construction seen near this pagoda is the Japanese Gateway which was actually created for the Japan-British Exhibition held at White City in London in 1910. In 1911 it was dismantled and re-constructed on the mossy hill near the pagoda. This gateway or decorative entrance was a very near replica of the Gate of the Western  Temple of the Original Vow (Nishi Hongan-ji) situated in the Japanese town of Kyoto. This type of ornate gateway, a symbol of power, is seen at the entrance of fortress, temple or Shinto shrine. This Gateway was designed in late 16th century Japanese style called Japanese rococo. Repairs were undertaken in 1936 and in 1957 to protect this gateway. Ultimately with Japanese help and collaboration in 1995, this gateway was restored to its original appearance and was opened for visitors in 1996. This gateway has an arched roof with curved edges at the end with wooden carvings on all sides. The wooden panels have carved animals, flowers and intricate artistic designs. It serves as a complement to the Japanese landscape (spread over 5000 sq.meters) which was laid out in 1996. Around this gateway one can see a very fascinating view of typical Japanese trees like the cherry trees with snow-white blossoms, pink rhododendrons and Japanese cypress trees (hinoki). The main entrance leads to the Garden of Peace where you can see stone lanterns and dripping water basin. The stone lantern indicates a ceremonial welcome and water trough indicates purification. Next you have to tread on a row of stone slabs which indicate your detachment from worldly worries. Next you pass on to the Garden of Harmony which is represented by short Japanese plants like purple hydrangeas, balloon flowers and Japanese anemones. Hidden among the bushes there is a stone block with a Japanese Haiku engraved on it. The Japanese poet Kiyoshi Takahama composed this Haiku in 1936. An English version is seen on a stone tablet nearby which reads  "Even sparrows / Freed from all fear of man/ England in spring. Next you will find the Garden of Activity  (natural world) represented by gravel and pebbles which indicate the movement of the flowing streams and waterfalls. The rocks among the gravel represent a turtle and a crane, symbols of good luck and long life. The Garden of Harmony links both the Gardens of Peace and Activity.Near the Victoria Gate one can see two huge statues of lion-dogs (Shisas) overlooking a lake in front of them.

  

Stone Lantern,Garden of Peace 

Garden of Harmony

               











 
There are so many wonderful sites and spots to explore in this arboreal heaven. But constraints of time made us view only a few of these botanical spots. The Rhizotron, designed by Marks Barfield Architects, gives you a unique opportunity of going underground and view the underworld of trees, the development of trees and the microorganisms that thrive in the soil. Likewise the Bonsai trees in the Bonsai House provide you to see the miniature forms of tall growing trees like conifers, maples, beech, oak, Japanese white pine and Chinese quince.The Sackler Crossing is a bridge made of granite and bronze connecting the Temperate and Evolution Houses. This was opened in 2006. Finally the Kew Explorer is a 72-seater road train operated by gas. You can settle down and comfortably on the seats and view the scenery as the train winds its way through the green expanse of dense wooded garden and listen to the commentary given by the driver. In brief if you ever go to London , don't miss the opportunity of visiting this marvelous garden. You would love to see it again and again.

             7th August, 2015                                                      Somaseshu Gutala