A lot has been happening in Kew Gardens since my March visit. Three weeks ago I was in Kew with my friend Elsa and saw a big change from when I’d written my March post just two weeks’ earlier. The magnolias were in blossom: their big majestic flowers ranging from white, through pale pink to deep magenta are one of the glories of spring.   Today, they were already on their way out: showers of discarded petals carpeting the ground beneath them. The tulips were looking fabulous and there was a wonderful display outside the Palm House; one of the first things you’ll see if you enter at Victoria Gate and bear right. There were gorgeous carpets of ground cover flowers, especially in the Woodland Garden near the Princess of Wales Conservatory, like these pretty Erythroniums. I’d gone there in search of Fritillaries – those beautiful, delicate, bell-shaped bulbs that push through the ground in spring. I didn’t see any there but found some Snake’s Head Fritillary in the Davis Alpine House. In the rock garden outside I found clumps of lovely Pulsatilla. Walking round the gardens, the Orangery Restaurant is always a good place to sit with coffee or a snack with its large terraced area allowing you to enjoy a view of the gardens at the same time. I can never resist a walk down to the lake, where there are a number of benches by the edge providing a peaceful place to sit for a time. Walking back towards Victoria Gate I passed some glorious prunus in bloom. Like the Magnolia trees, their blossom is a short-lived thing so all the more reason to go and enjoy it while you can. One of the great things about doing this year-long record of Kew Gardens, visiting each month, is that I’m much more aware of the changes; of what’s in blossom when. And planning to visit at least once a month ensures that I don’t miss out on anything. If you want to know more about visiting Kew Gardens go to: www.kew.org