This is One Wisteria Vine

This is one wisteria vine, and how lucky we were to be at Hampton Court Palace when it was blooming. Made my wisteria vine at home look really wimpy!

Hampton Court Maze

Here is the middle of the Hampton Court Maze, which is listed as the biggest, or oldest, in the world - I can't remember which. We let our daughter lead for part of the way, but she kept taking us in circles. It was fun. The maze was built as a place for contemplation. The big compass arrow swings around every once in a while to further confuse. This is the maze featured in the Jerome K. Jerome classic, "Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)."

Covered Walkway at Hampton Court Palace

This is another feature in the massive palace gardens. My daughter ran though it several times, even though it was a hot day. When we visited England in May of this year, it was their hottest May since some time in the 1700s.

One of the Many Gardens at Hampton Court Palace

The gardens at Hampton Court Palace go on and on. The Palace is home to the longest herbaceous border in the world, 1/2 mile - mostly tended by volunteers.

Hampton Court Palace - We Were Wowed

Walking into Hampton Court Place - near London. Lots of history here, and a lot of it ugly stuff - and examples of decadence and over-the-top-ness like I've never seen before. More info here. This is actually a modest entrance, I think, compared to the buildings, grounds, art, gardens, "royal rooms," and kitchens inside. There were several groups of uniformed school children, my daughter mixed in with one group while touring inside.