BP Garden

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Mon 21 Aug 2017 22:57
Buckingham Palace Garden
 
 
 
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We enjoyed our bimble around the souvenir shop after our tea, following our amazing tour of the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace.
 
 
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En route to the exit, the first tree I stop to look at was planted by a man who is currently suffering from bad press due to much muck-raking and skeletons leaping and bounding out of the cupboard.........(Fagus sylvatica var. heterophylla ‘Aspleniifolia’cut-leaved beech). This beech tree was planted by HRH The Prince of Wales on his 21st birthday. It is extremely decorative with deeply cut leaves and a fern-like appearance. This fine specimen dates back to 1804 and is estimated to reach around 20 metres in height.
 
 
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Beautiful lake setting.
 
 
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We could be anywhere watching a baby trying to hide and ‘mum on the prowl’.
 
 
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Lovely to see some old favourites.
 
 
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The Island and the Bee Hives: In the middle of the lake there are two islands, the larger of which houses four bee hives. They have only been here a few years but, because the garden has a wealth of flowering plants, the bees are well-nourished so there is enough honey to supply the Palace. The bees are resident all year round and are looked after by the Royal Beekeeper.
 
 
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Pulhamite Rock: The natural looking rocky outcrops visible around the Mound are man-made and were installed in 1904. The name derives from the Pulham family who, for three generations, created follies and ferneries in gardens and estates during the Victorian era. Each rock has a planting pocket permitting a choice of plants to be grown. Currently, work is taking place in this area to re-landscape around these rocks. 
 
 
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The Lake: This very important water body is home to all manner of fauna. Three types of fish can be found: roach, gudgeon and perch, with the latter growing up to 15 centimetres. The lake is used by resident as well as migratory birds and many can be found nesting around the margins. A heron is a regular visitor, and in the evenings bats can be seen feeding on the insects.
 
 
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We loved this gnarly tree.
 
 
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Island Path: Two bridges lead off the mainland onto the larger of two islands. Here, the environments and habitats are perfect for wildlife; birds nests, insects thrive, and fungi come and go. There is a wealth of lakeside marginal plantings which are perfect nectar sources. This island is minimally managed throughout the year to allow nature to flourish.
 
 
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We enjoy the last of summers colour.
 
 
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We enjoy this bimble through the garden.
 
 
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Long Grass Policy: The garden contains about two hectares of grass that is left to go its complete annual lifecycle. Within these long grass areas there is a wide selection of wild flowers that are allowed to flower and seed naturally. This allows for established colonies to thrive and for the occasional surprise to occur such as the recent discovery of the Pyramid Orchid, and the rare to London, White Helleborine.
 
 
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Our last ‘royal’ plants.
 
 
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We bid a thank you to the staff and bimble the final path.................
 
 
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................ Incredibly, we step out of a ‘hole in the wall’ to find ourselves on a busy London street.......
 
 
 
 
ALL IN ALL SUCH A TINY PORTION BUT SO VERY SPECIAL
                     WONDERFULLY NATURAL