"White butterflies danced one above another, making with their white shifting flakes the outline of a shattered marble column above the tallest flowers; the glass roofs of the palm house shone as if a whole market full of shiny green umbrellas had opened in the sun; and in the drone of the aeroplane the voice of the summer sky murmured its fierce soul." <p/> On a hot summer's day, the Palm House at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, sees the shuffle of thousands of visitors. While some are glad to catch a moment's rest, others have been inspired by the house's magnificent displays--both floral and human. A century ago, one of the Garden's most famous visitors turned her observations into an enchanting story. <p/>Kew Gardens is one of Virginia Woolf's earliest short stories. The gentle narrative drifts among an eclectic group of visitors as they stroll through the Gardens, including a young couple, a pair of middle-aged ladies looking for tea, and even a snail making a determined trek through the flower beds. Woolf creates an impressionistic world with snippets of conversation, wondering thoughts, and sparks of color. <p/> This edition published by Kew features delightful illustrations by Livi Mills. It will be a treasured addition to the bookshelves of Woolfians everywhere.
