The weather was glorious. Bees and butterflies flew through the perfumed air. Many people had decided to visit Kew to make the most of their leisure time but there was plenty of space for everyone. I had gone to see the tulips, as last Spring they were not out yet.

The glasshouses were crowded and rather hot. I was pleasantly surprised to see a purple water-lily. There was a jade vine of a most striking colour and the cacti were truly enormous.

Most of the magnolias were past their best, but one with yellow blooms was at its peak and smelled divine.

Narcissi nodded their heads everywhere you looked.

A cacophony of birds were seen and heard. Magpies, crows, seagulls, wood pigeons, Egyptian geese, even a jay which I was not quick enough to photograph.

This time I explored the woodland walk and natural area, which I hadn’t been to before. I realised that I liked this wilder part of the Gardens better than the formal displays. I saw only pockets of bluebells, so perhaps it was too early in the season for the ‘carpets’ of bluebells supposed to be there. An unexpected delight was a mini-meadow of snake’s head fritillary, the purple chequered bell-shaped flowers rising from the long grass.

Many trees were laden with blossom, with families having picnics beneath. The beauty of the Gardens was just incredible. I really didn’t want to leave. It’s my third visit and no doubt I’ll be returning!