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Gardener News Serving the Agricultural, Gardening and Landscaping Communities
July, 2014
GARDENERNEWS.COM
TAKE ONE No. 135
The Royal Beauty of London
Paul Kneeland/Photo
Temperate House in England’s Royal Botanic Gardens, usually referred to as Kew Gardens, is the world’s largest surviving Victorian glass structure. It covers 52,528 square feet, rises to a height of 63 feet, and contains plants and trees from all the temperate regions of the world. By Paul Kneeland The King of Produce The weather in London is neither perfect nor fantastic consistently. Overcast skies are the norm and rain bothers the tourists more than the residents. As they say, if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute. Most days have a combination of overcast and rain and sun. This makes a unique growing area. Much like New Jersey, Londoners had a winter that
wouldn’t end. Temperatures in the 60-degree range were prevalent into June. London proper, city-like and filled with history, is made up of 32 boroughs and more than 13 million people. Traffic is heavy during the week and into the evenings as people get to and from work. I liken it a bit to Manhattan, sans the many tall buildings. Construction in the city is apparent, with more than 30 construction cranes at present count. The rich history that
permeates the city reminds one of Rome, where modern meets historical. Easily walkable, London’s tourist attractions are spread out amongst the city. A favorite, Buckingham Palace, home to the Queen of England, is in fact majestic and carefully placed and protected amongst parks and tree-lined streets that allow Her Majesty quick access up the street to Parliament. In fact, stretching from Buckingham Palace to the west side of Westminster
Abbey is a stunning park, meticulously cared for and filled with beautiful flowers and magnificent plantings. Duck Island inhabits the east end of the pond and is home to hundreds of ducks and pigeons living together without noticeable conflict. London is admirably clean. Despite all the construction and the everyday wear and tear of thirteen million inhabitants, the city is beautifully kept. From the West End theatre area, through Kensington
and Westminster, the city almost looks manicured. About halfway between London on the Thames and Heathrow International airport lies a wonder that needs to be seen. It is the Royal Botanical Garden in Kew, otherwise known as Kew Garden. Protected by a 12-foot stucco wall and the residents that surround the area, Kew Gardens is a place that can take a full day or two to get through. Entering through Victoria gates, our (Cont. on pg. 22)