This and That – Good evening from London and the Queen’s Flowers!

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When I think of England, I think of flowers. From the formal gardens of the aristocracy to simple WWII Victory gardens, dear old England is a garden all its own. And since the passing of the Queen, Buckingham Palace has become one massive floral display.
    

We hailed a taxi to the Palace, getting as close as the funeral barricades would allow. The crowds were huge as they walked down the mall, the long avenue leading up to the Palace. The earliest tributes were stuck between the towering black and gilded fence surrounding the Palace. When they started overflowing onto the sidewalks, people were instructed to put them under the trees on the Palace grounds. And that they did!
    

As you can see from the beautiful snaps, the floral displays filled the grounds. Wafting above it all was the overwhelming scent of roses, chrysanthemums, and lilies. From somewhere, a military band could be heard playing rousing marches.
    

While taking it all in, I couldn’t help but compare the tribute at St. Paul’s, which we were so fortunate to have attended, to the magnificent floral tributes. One took place in a majestic, columned, marbled House of God. Choral music filled the air. Hushed whispers and prayers floated upward. In the lush green cathedral of trees on the Palace grounds, the prayers of those in attendance were not verbal. They were soft to the touch, lovely to smell, and a sight to behold.
    

This English garden did not disappoint. We leave ole London town in the morning via a train from Waterloo Station. Destination – Salisbury. The sun is setting as I sit here in this peaceful park across from our hotel. I will miss it, as I will miss dear ole London town.   
    

Goodnight, dear friends. 💘

(Originally published September 12, 2022)

The long line standing in front of Buckingham Palace waiting to see the Queen’s Memorial flowers.
You can see how long the line was in this snap.
The sweet scent of these flowers filled the air, and the sweet sentiments of the written cards and letters filled my eyes with tears.
The Queen’s picture graced so many of the floral tributes.
It was fascinating to watch how these heart-shaped floral tributes were formed. People would outline the heart with flowers, and then, when that was completed, the inside would be filled up.
Sam caught me in a sad moment. It was sad but, oh, so touching.
Schoolchildren’s hand-drawn pictures of the Queen were everywhere. Many of them had messages like, “From Miss Fortenberry’s 4th Grade Class…” Or “We will miss our Queen. From Mrs. Allison’s 6th Grade Class…”
Smaller tributes of flowers, like this, stretched as far as the eye could see in the wooded area beside the Palalce.
Was LoLo the family dog? Was LoLo a child or loved one who had passed away? Many such cards were slipped in between the flowers.
A floral tribute in the shape of a crown, crowned by a coronet of flowers.