The Palm House at Kew Gardens is an astounding architectural wonder which is the brain child of well- renowned architects Decimus Burton and Richard Turner. It is a world-famous Grade 1 listed building. This building was constructed between the years 1844 to 1848, and it stands at an impressive 363 feet long. It is 100 feet wide & 66 feet high. The greenhouse type building is made with iron and glass. With its curvaceous exteriors and steamy interiors, Kew’s Palm House has since long, been recognized as an icon of the Gardens.

Founder Turner and architect Burton worked in unison to create this magical botanical landmark. Burton desired that the construction should closely resemble the lake of George III so that he could catch its reflection in the lake. Turner came up with the brainwave of using a wrought iron “deck beam” structure used in ship building for a greater unsupported area.

The Palm House, Kew Gardens in London is conveniently located 1 kilometer from Kew Bridge, London, 1.5 kilometer from Gunnersbury Bridge, and 2.5 kilometer from Chiswick Bridge.

Construction of the House

The Palm House was created mainly for the exotic palms being collected and introduced to Europe during the early Victorian times. Even though the Palm House was designed by Burton, it definitely had elements of style and design which was unique to that of Richard Turner. The design element was borrowed from shipbuilding and this is clearly visible by the upturned hull.

To nurture the tropical plants, heat was required. Initially boilers were placed in the basement, which heated the water pipes under iron gratings on which the plants stood in great teak tubs, or in clay pots on benches. The smoke from the boilers was led away through pipes in a tunnel under the Palm House Pond to the elegant Italianate Campanile smoke stack 150 m (490 ft) away. There was a small railway in the tunnel as well, which was used to transport coal the Palm House boilers.

Unfortunately, the basement got flooded in the year 1848. It took many years to lower the water levels. Then in 1853 the floor level of the boiler room was raised. This however led to the unfortunate effect of reducing the amount of draught to the flues, which hampered the efficiency of the heating system, making certain parts of the Palm House too cold.

Around the Palm House

The area surrounding the Palm House forms the heart of the 1850s Nesfield and Burton landscape. Small plots of open lawn and formal flowerbeds vie for attention along with an ornamental lake, clumps of mature trees and open vistas. Keynote buildings such as the Waterlily House dominate the area. Over the years, this accretion of design activity has resulted in an assortment of landscape characters, making the Palm House as one of the most fascinating and varied areas of Kew.

Things to Look Out For

There is a stunning glasshouse near the Victoria Gate entrance. At one end you can also see the world’s oldest pot plant, a Cyrad.

In the South Wing you can find plants from Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. The African oil palm, also known as Elaeis guineensis can also be found here. This plant is one of the most important oil-producing plantation palms in the Tropics. A rare triangle palm known as Dypsis decaryi which is from Madagascar is also found here.

The main central section showcases plants from the Americas. Here plants such as cocoa, rubber, banana and papaya grow alongside Mexican yam (Dioscorea macrostachya). The Mexican Yam was used to develop the contraceptive pill.

The North Wing contains plants from Asia, Australasia and the Pacific. Here you can come across climbing palms called rattans. These are used to make cane furniture. A variety of Asian fruit trees such as mango, breadfruit and jackfruit can be found here.

Rose Garden

The historic Rose Garden which is situated behind the Palm House was rebuild to celebrate the 250th Anniversary. When the garden is in bloom during the spring and summer months, you can witness a riot of colors which is indeed an attractive sight.

Getting There

Address

Victoria Gate
Kew Road
Richmond
TW9 3ABc

Nearest Station

Kew Gardens Tube or Kew Bridge Station

Timings

1 April to 31 August: 9.30am to 6.30pm daily (7.30pm weekends)

1 September to 24 October: 9.30am to 6pm daily

25 October 2009 to 6 February: 9.30am to 4.15pm

7 February 2009 to 27 March: 9.30am to 5.30pm

(closed 24, 25 December)

Facilities and Amenities

• Toilet WC
• Picnic site
• Café/restaurant
• Car parking
• Disabled access
• Baby changing area

Birr Castle Demesne is Ireland’s award winning gardens, is set in one of Ireland’s most beautiful Georgian heritage town.  Spanning across more than 120 acres of parkland, Birr Castle Demesne includes lakes, rivers, fountains, wildflower meadows and much more. It is much frequented place not only by tourists, but also by the locals. Birr Castle Demesne offers a combination of fun, relaxation and discovery to all who visit.

Birr Castle Demesne is the kind of destination that can interest and engage a serious gardener, a landscape designer or family for an entire day. It is the largest garden in Ireland, and the grounds at Birr Castle is made up of both formal and informal gardens, exotic tree collection, a breathtaking beautiful lake, a fernery, wildflower meadows, and much more. This area also boasts of the world’s tallest box hedges. These grounds are also home to an astounding collection of rare species of plants from all around the world, including over 40 champion trees of the British Isles.

Birr Castle Demesne is world-famous for its exotic tree and plant collections, rivers and lake, formal gardens, terraces and wildflower meadows.

History

The Demesne is home to Ireland’s Historic Science Centre, which allows visitors to travel back to the time of the earlier Earls and Countesses of Rosse. Birr Castle Demesne boasts of award winning gardens which are the largest in the Country. Even after 13 generations, it still remains the family home of Earl and Countess of Rosse and their family. While the main house is not open to the public, one may wander through the scenic and panoramic gardens. These gardens were created way back in the year 1935 with the view to celebrate the marriage of the Earl’s mother who was also instrumental in establishing the design of the garden. Two Bavarian urns dominate the center of the garden. These urns are over 300 years old. Surrounded by hedges containing openings shaped like gothic style windows, these formal gardens derive inspiration from the layout of a monastic cloister.

For almost 400 years each of the Parsons family have worked on and contributed their unique features to the Demesne. As with every family, each generation of owners at Birr has its own interests. This truly reflects in the amazing combination of plants, astronomy, engineering, and more, all in one place. One can find an amazing variety of some of the oldest and tallest boxwood hedges in the world, as well as over a 1000 variety of trees and shrubs.

The garden has evolved under the loving care and attention of its owners, the proof for which is still there for all to see. By the 18th century, work on the landscape turned the bog into a lake, and trees were planted. The year 1826 saw the appearance of a suspension bridge, which was indeed an engineering feat at that time. This bridge was built over the river. It was in the middle of the 19th century that the third Earl of Rosse built the largest reflecting telescope known at the time. The uncommon shrubs and trees which can be found now were the efforts of the sponsored plant exploration trips by the fifth Earl.

It was during the 1930s, that the sixth Earl and his wife, who hailed from a well-known horticultural family in England, created the formal gardens known as the Cloisters, now also called the Millennium Gardens. The millennium gardens reflect a French style formal garden and includes plants exclusive to the demesne. It also proudly displays some beautiful pathways of hornbeam cloister. The seventh Earl and his family continue the tradition, making Birr a fine garden and much more.

Visitor Information

Birr Castle itself remains a private residence, still owned by the Parsons family, so public visitation is not permitted. But visitors are welcome to walk around the Birr Castle Demesne. For garden enthusiasts a visit to Birr is a treat indeed, encompassing some 120 acres of gardens that span four centuries of gardening styles.

During your visit, you would be transported to a time when Birr Castle was a hub of scientific discovery and innovation. The interactive museum reveals the wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy. One special interesting feature is the third Earl’s telescope. This telescope is a leviathan creation, which was the largest in the world for more than 70 years.

Between visiting the science center and the gardens plan for a fair amount of walking. After taking in all the wonders, you can unwind with a hot cup of tea or coffee in the signature Courtyard Cafe. A visit to the Discovery Shop is recommended where you can purchase a unique gift as a reminiscence of your trip.

Tours

Booking a tour is perhaps one of the best ways to obtain more in-depth information about The Huntington Gardens. Trained and professional staff provide various tours, based on age and requirement. Special tours are available for adults, K-12 school children, and tour groups. Pre-booked guided tours as well as educational tours for primary and secondary schools are also available. Free audio tours are also available for some exhibitions.

Group Tours

The Huntington offers Estate, Chinese garden, and Tea & Tours. Please note you would need to make reservations at least one month in advance for all group tours.

Tea & Tour

What is better than a piping hot cup of English tea after a relaxing and enjoyable day touring the garden? Enjoy a private morning tour followed by English tea in the Huntington’s Rose Garden Tea Room. Please note reservations are required at least one month in advance for Tea & Tours.

School Tours

The Huntington offers both guided and self-guided school tours. The guided school tours are available during non-public, morning hours. These tours are led by volunteer docent teachers. Interactive explorations of the institution’s treasures are a landmark of these tours. Self-guided school tours are welcome during regular public hours.

Free Garden Tours

Free tours of the gardens are available with general admission or membership. These tours can be availed of between Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday between noon and 2 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Please note, timings may vary depending on volunteer availability, You may have to check regarding the same with the Information Desk on arrival for the day’s schedule of garden tours. No tours available on Tuesdays and Free Days.

Getting There

The Huntington is located near Pasadena in the city of San Marino, approximately twelve miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The Huntington has two entrance gates: one on Oxford Road, and a second entrance at Allen Avenue, just south of California Boulevard.

Address: Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co Offaly, Republic of Ireland
Telephone:  (057) 9120336
Fax:
Email: mail@birrcastle.com
Web:http://www.birrcastle.com
Visiting Hours
Birr Castle is open all year.
March to October hours: 08.00 -18.00
Nov – Feb hours: 10.00 – 16.00.
Entrance fees are €9.00 for adults, €5.00 for children.

Accommodation

Very good accommodation is available close to the garden.

Clonkelly House

The Clonkelly House is a charming Irish country house, located 1 km from the castle. Built to 4 star specification in the “heart of Ireland”, this place offers self catering, and is close to Slieve Bloom Mountains, River Shannon, and many more attractions.

Kinnitty Castle

Kinnitty Castle is situated close to the picturesque village of Kinnitty, and is about 1 km from the garden.

Paris has always been a poet’s delight. Frequented by couples who walk hand along the Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, it is perhaps not wrong to say that Paris is perhaps one of the most romantic places on earth.

Located some 80 miles from Paris, on the border between the province of Normandy and the Île-de-France, is a quaint but equally beautiful village known as Giverny. This village became famous thanks to internationally acclaimed artist Claude Monet’s garden and home.

Monet came to reside in Giverny way back in 1890. He bought the land to realize his dream of creating the magnificent gardens he wanted to paint. The artist continued to stay there until his death in 1926.

Giverny

Giverny is located on the “right Bank” of the River Seine. The village is situated on the border between the province of Normandy and the Île-de-France.

It is interesting to learn about how Monet came to reside in this quaint village. He saw this village while traveling on a train. He fell in love with this place, and decided then and there, to move there.  He rented a house and the area surrounding it. After saving enough money, he would buy the house and land surrounding it in the year 1890. He then set out to realize his dream of creating the wonderful gardens he wanted to paint.

Living in Giverny is like opening a pandora’s box, only that the box is full of magnificent surrounding area such as exotic gardens, beautiful parks, luscious rose gardens, and imposing castels. This village still has a medieval atmosphere.

About Monet Garden

For nature lovers, a garden is God’s creation of heaven on earth. The full bloom of flowers, the towering luscious green trees swinging to the tune of the wind, and the chirping of the birds are a feast for the eye. And when we speak of gardens, how can we overlook the Monet Garden in Giverny, France?

Monet’s Garden is located in Giverny, France – about fifty miles west of Paris in the Euro Department in Normandy. Named after Claude Monet, this garden is visited not only by tourists, but is also frequented by the locals as well. Claude Monet was a founder of French impressionist painting. He was extremely fond of painting controlled nature. He was also the most consistent and prolific practitioner of the movement’s philosophy of expressing one’s perceptions before nature. In fact, the term ‘Impressionism’ is derived from the title of one of his paintings – the Impression, Sunrise.

Giverny is a commune of the Euro department in northern France. It is best known as the location of Claude Monet’s garden and home. Giverny was also home to Claude Monet and his family. Monet spend the years between 1883 until his death in 1926 in Giverny. Some of his most famous paintings, such as his water lily and Japanese bridge paintings were of his garden in Giverny.

The Beauty of the Garden

Monet’s Garden is the colorful garden of an artist, by an artist. One look at Monet’s garden and you would also want to paint the lilies and its reflections. The garden is made up of two parts; the flower garden called Clos Normand which lies in the front of the house, and a Japanese inspired water garden which lies on the other side of the road. Access between the parts is through a tunnel. Dazzling drifts of color greet the eye as one enters the flower garden. Here one can find a kaleidoscope of flowers of all kinds. Violets and daisies blend well with tulips, irises and poppies. The pansies, crocus, chrysanthemums, and forget-me-nots provide a riot of colors to the eye.

Monet’s garden has a colorful characteristic of its own. The garden is made up of a riot of flowers of all colors and variety, which became his favorite model for painting.

The garden had several areas, each unique in its beauty and charm. The entire garden comprised of the walled garden, which was planted in accordance to Monet’s own design, and the Water Garden, covered by weeping willows. The Japanese Bridge, with its pond and water-lilies, added to the charm and beauty of this section.

Monet loved flowers and this showed amply in the beauty of his garden. The garden had six bridges, and it was the biggest bridge that Monet painted most often. This garden was a source of inspiration for some of his well-known and internationally acclaimed paintings such as the water lily and Japanese bridge paintings. Monet spend hours just gazing at the water, and admiring the ever changing color of nature.

In the spring season one can witness a riot of colors as the Japanese cherry, apple and apricot trees are in full bloom. The yellow Mermaid, which was Monet’s favorite climber, adorns the walls reaching his bedroom window, and fills the air with a heady perfume. The autumn witnesses a rich hue of colors consisting of red and orange dahlias, and violet asters. The saucer sized sunflowers presume the center of attraction.

The garden is divided into flowerbeds. Cluster of flowers of various heights are used to create volume. Fruit trees or ornamental trees dominate the landscape. The central area is sheltered by iron arches on which climbing roses grow. Rose trees can also be found along the railing along the house. Monet mixed the simplest flowers such as daisies and poppies, with the rarest varieties, to create a spectacular effect. Monet’s garden has a special appeal for artists and photographers.

The Water Garden

Visitor Information

Perhaps the best time to visit the garden is during the months of April to October. Flowers of all types bloom as if vying for attention.  It is during this time that the garden is filled in hues and shades of ever-changing colors of rich foliage. In summer, one can witness the spectacular beauty of all the annual flowers as well as of the well-known Nympheas (Water-lilies).

The autumn months of September and October adds its own charm as the gardens is flooded with huge giant flowers of splendid colors.

The Water Garden

One of the most spectacular sections is the Water Garden. Here, Claude had a dock decorated by arches of climbing roses. The Water Garden, on the other side of the road and railway, consists of a pond and a Japanese bridge.

When Monet created his water garden, he imagined a pond with floating islands of colorful nympheas. During summer in late June and early July, this section grows in beauty as the roses are in full bloom, adding shades of pink to the green foliage. The area has a wide array of flowers and plants such as water lilies, weeping willows, wisterias, bamboos and herbaceous plants. For a place so famous, it is surprisingly small. The pond is extremely photogenic, and a painter’s delight! The apple green bridge and boats can be seen in some of Monet’s paintings.

During Monet’s stay, a boat used to be anchored at the dock. The boat was used by the gardener, who was devoted to the water garden. This gardener had an exceptionally unique job; he had to wash the water lilies every morning as the road nearby made them dusty. Monet wanted his lilies to be spotless when he painted them.

The gardener used to get up very early in the morning, before the master would come, and tour the pond in the boat to push the flowers under the surface with the row to clean them.

Getting There

Address:

Musee Monet, Giverny, Haute-Normandie, France, 27620

There is no train service that goes directly to Giverny village. However, you can take the train service available from Gare St. Lazare in Paris to Vernon. You would need to take the Rouen-bound train and get off at Vernon. The ride to Veroon takes 45 minutes. Giverny is around four miles from Vernon. Local buses and taxis are available here. You could even rent a bicycle (Cafe du Chemin de Fer) and ride to Giverny. Alternately, you can enjoy a long walk all the way to Giverny, halting at one of the scenic spots for a picnic.

Visitor Information:

The garden is open to public daily between 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from April 1st through November 1st. The last entry is at 5.30 p.m.

Hotel Accommodations

There are a number of hotels and B&B accommodations available. One can find accommodations from as low as 55 euro to 150 euro.

Tours

‘Giverny and Monet’ Tour

There are several guided tours that one can take to explore the wonders of this garden. The ‘Giverny and Monet’ tour is a half day tour on which you will see Monet’s restored home, garden and workshop at Giverny. This tour will also include a ride through the scenic Normandy countryside, and the charming country village of Giverny. The tour is available from April 1 to October 31, and leaves on all days except Sunday and Monday. The tour which takes around 5 hours, commences at 1.45pm.

Inclusions/Exclusions

The tour price includes transportation by AC coach, enterence fees, and a professional guide. It does not include hotel pickups, food and breverages, and any gratuities (which are optional).

Giverny and Monet’s Garden Bike Tour

This tour is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of the area. For this tour, you would first have to travel by rail and pass along the luscious sunflower fields of Normandy, along the lazy Seine river, all the way to the village of Vernon. At Veron, you could buy a scrumptious picnic meal from one of the farmers, and pedal across the banks of the river to enjoy the same. A recommendation – you must sample the local drink, the cidre.

After the meal, you can start your 5 km ride to the village of Giverny and the world-famous gardens of Claude Monet. Once you arrive at the garden, spend about an hour and a half, exploring the beauty of Monet’s gardens, his house and the famous water lily pond. Ensure that your camera, and extra batteries as you may want to capture every aspect of beauty of this spectacular garden.

This tour is available between April 01 to May 15 every Wednesday and Saturday.

From May 16 to September 30, the tour runs every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The tour reverts back to its twice weekly schedule of Wednesday and Saturday from October 1 to October 31. The tour leaves at Gare St. Lazare 10:00am, and lasts for approximately 8 hours.

Inclusions/Exclusions

The tour price includes the use of bicycle, helmet, and local guide. It also includes roundtrip train tickets to and from Paris, and the entrance to Monet’s House and Gardens. It does not include gratuities (optional), hotel pickup and drop-off, and food and drinks.  Rain gear is available for an additional nominal fee, and is refunded if not used.