The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London grows more species in its 121 hectares than any other garden in the world and has a long and distinguished history. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these magnificent London gardens, glasshouses and galleries are a living exhibit as well as an important historical legacy.

Three hundred acres of botanical delights grace Kew Gardens, which lies on the south bank of the Thames River between Richmond and Kew in the suburbs of south-west London. If you’re a stickler for accuracy you might like to note that the proper way to refer to Kew is in the plural, i.e. Kew Gardens, not Kew Garden. This is due to the fact that centuries ago there were two estates here, Kew Estate and Richmond Estate. These estates were combined to form the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Kew Gardens modern history really begins in the century when Henry VII moved his court to Richmond Palace in the summer months and nearby Kew village flourished. Since 1840 Kew Park has been open to the public and is without a doubt the most impressive London garden.

The gardens are “Royal” because for many years the estates that now form the gardens were owned by members of Britain’s royal family. King George II and Queen Caroline lived at Ormonde Lodge, on the Richmond estate. Their son and heir, Prince Frederick, leased the neighboring Kew estate in the 1730s.

Delonix Regia – Poinciana – Caballero

Few trees can rival the poinciana’s dazzling flower display, which covers its impressive canopy for weeks in summer. I can see a lane of these red ornamental trees along the highway in Batangas mores particularly across the bridge going to SM Batangas. We also planted maybe 20 to 30 of this kind of tree for more or less than fifteen years ago and now these trees are giving such dazzling bright orange, yellow to red flowers.

Poincianas or caballero are best in tropical climates, but they also adapt subtropical gardens in suitably warm situations. These red ornamental trees prefer full sun, protection from strong wind, and well-drained soil, with plenty of water in summer. In summer, when the awesome crown is covered in swatches of scarlet flowers, it’s easy to see why this ornamental tree is regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular trees.

Photo taken at Philippines
Originally uploaded by MarkFe

more cool photos

Here are some of my entries for Mellow Yellow Monday. I browsed my collection of photos and found some of the most striking and vibrant color of flower varieties found in the Philippines.