Even more flowers

Well not exactly flower, but potential flower, and in some cases, potential fruit. These were the pics of bits that didn't quite make it into the garden bloggers blooms day lineup, because they hadn't quite got their bloom on.

The nectarine, buds forming for blossoms. There aren't many so I don't like my chances of actually getting any fruit this year, but fingers crossed.

And little Mr Succulent! See the flowers forming. They will slowly grow out on a long stem, then open. I never really appreciated succulents until I saw them in flower.

So today is dedicated as garden blogger's almost blooms day.

Christmas Succulent 2010

Long ago I had a housemate who wouldn't let me put up a Christmas tree. So instead, I navigated this command by erecting a Christmas succulent instead. That ginch hasn't lived here in a long time but the Christmas succulent tradition has stayed and I even gave away some little succulents last year so everyone could one day have a Christmas succulent. This year it is a little one, which was destined for pastures elsewhere but has stayed on to give us all some Christmas cheer. The usual ornaments have returned

Along with the requisite black star

And voila, one lovely Christmas succulent, that wont drop pine needles and needs no care, attention or water!

Holiday Gardentimes - Part 2 The Inside Goodness of Kew Gardens

In my last holiday post I wrote about the beauty of the outside parts of Kew Gardens, along with my encounters with its feathery animal kind. I visited each of the conservatories hoping to find an example of a vanilla pod vine. Alas I didn't manage to find this illusive greenery but I found so many other wonders.

There were floral wonders (and of course the obligatory shot of a fuschia)

Pond inhabiting and surrounding beauties

Cacti and Succulents which would never otherwise survive the UK climate

And edibles - ok this was inside the Orangery, but it was just as great as any of the conservatory items above (it was a smoked salmon sandwich with a 'side' of artichoke, tomato and greens salad, totally yum)

What a lovely day!