Kew Gardens, and other areas of natural beauty, may be the breath of fresh air we all need. Lockdown restrictions has seen our plans for 2020: holidays, concerts, events; all cancelled within the blink of an eye, leaving us stranded and indoors. The majority of our  day is spent staring at a screen, and whilst there is an easing of covid-19 regulations, prolonged periods of time inside and isolated has taken a toll on the national mental health.

Through these limitations, the public have seized the opportunity to their local parks and areas of beauty, to escape the confines of their house. Kew Gardens is an example of this, and as Autumn encroaches, the gardens have turned a vibrant  orange, creating an area of natural splendour. I took a camera to the gardens to try and capture this blessing of scenery  thats is right on our doorstep.

Upon my arrival I asked those who worked there for some recommendations as to what they believed to be  the areas that showcased the best of the autumnal gardens. I was directed to the rock garden, where I photographed the pumpkins and the Davies Alpine House, and the Victoria Gate, where I photographed the Temple of Bellona. 

Kew is a botanical garden, and displays plants from across the globe. With seasonal change comes the change of the plants displayed,  some flowering, some germinating, some shedding, and with such a diverse selection of vegetation, you are able to catch a glimpse of autumn around the world. Where some trees turn orange, others flower, like the Monkey Puzzle photographed here. 

Of course, new measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Some favourites, such as the Marianne North Gallery, Pagoda, and Treetop Walkway are temporarily closed. But  this should not deter someone thinking of visiting, when the gardens themselves remain free to roam and relish in. Outdoor sculpture provide artwork to view, such as Simon Gudgeon’s sculpture Leaf Spirit as photographed. 

In a time where life via technology has become the ‘new normal’, these parks have become a lifeline to our sanity. The ability to simply leave our homes and visit natural areas such as Kew is a privilege  that should not be squandered. When our houses become too claustrophobic, the opportunity to visit somewhere as this special, where we can photograph, sketch, exercise, learn, or simply just stroll is something that we should all seize. In a time of crisis, this delight is something we should all hold precious.