And God cast the tripod from the garden...

The security personnel were apparently ignorant of Kew Gardens's policy on photography, and they wouldn't let me bring my tripod into the park. This put an initial damper on my visit, but I found the place to lend itself satisfactorily to leisurely walks and viewing of both flora and fauna. Highlights included the world's largest water lily, the world's oldest potted plant, and a number of rather docile peacocks. Chris and I wandered together for the morning, and had a surprisingly good lunch at the Orangery. I wasn't outright impressed with any of the architecture, but the placement of buildings within the landscape was worthy of study, and the historical context of the Palm House increases its worth tenfold.

Botany refresher

Claire and I went to the Weisman Art Museum this morning. We went specifically to see Fresh Cuts, which was billed as "an international exhibition of the American Society of Botanical Artists." We both enjoyed it a great deal, and Claire helped me summon some botany terms from the dusty corners of my memory. I'd like very much to relearn what I knew in the fall of 2003, especially now that I'm so enthusiastic about someone who's enthusiastic about plant biology.

We both particularity appreciated a watercolor of rhubarb by Maine artist Hillary Parker. My favorite piece of the day, however, came from the West! Frank Gehry and the Artists of Venice Beach, 1962-1978 exhibit. Guy Dill's 1971 work Untitled (17 Wood Blocks), a fascinating sculpture held together by tension in the ropes and friction between the blocks.