The Duke’s backyard

This is a magnificent garden tucked between the suburban sprawl of London and one of the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow. It is Syon Park, part of the Duke of Northumberland’s estate, also consisting of a sturdy and impressive stately pile – not to mention a fantastic ‘greenhouse’.

It was a partially sunny day drilled by a cold wind with the threat of rain. But these are beautiful grounds to capture, from the magnificence of the Giant Rhubarb at the water’s edge, to a whole host of flowering plants and natural details. Apart from the older couple seated and enjoying the peace and quiet, I had the run of this London gem.

Click first image to view the gallery

Tags: blossom, Britain, Flowers, gardens, Giant Rhubarb, heritage, London, macro, monochrome, nature, photography, Syon Park

13 thoughts on “The Duke’s backyard”

jdtphotography.co.uk on May 29, 2016 at 09:47 said:

Love this park and your images Mike are terrific as I particularly like “Tangle” and the shot of the couple sitting on the bench. MMM! Me and monochrome…. I hope you have a great week.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 30, 2016 at 11:48 said:
  
  Thanks James and nice that you know Syon Park. I should have discovered it sooner. There is always monochrome potential amidst all that colour!
  
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leecleland on May 22, 2016 at 22:21 said:

I can’t believe that in the urban crush that is London these magnificent gardens are still in existence. Thankfully open to the public (for a fee?). Great captures as always and Tangle could have come from my paddocks!

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 22, 2016 at 22:38 said:
  
  Thanks as always, Lee. Yes, there was an entrance fee for Syon Park gardens, but I didn’t begrudge a penny of it. It’s the last ducal territory in London which I guess has helped to preserve it.
  
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ckponderings on May 22, 2016 at 10:37 said:

A beautiful set of images, Mike! The colours can be a little harsh for me sometimes, but again the detail you get out of your images is stunning. :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 22, 2016 at 10:41 said:
  
  Thanks Richard. Are you a sensitive flower? (See what I did there?!)
  
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  - ckponderings on May 23, 2016 at 06:22 said:
    
    Haha! I am definitely not a sensitive flower, and I can assure you I have been nowhere near the Duke’s backyard!
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on May 23, 2016 at 11:42 said:
      
      How rude ;))
      
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      - ckponderings on May 23, 2016 at 12:45 said:
        
        ;)
        
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- mikeosbornphoto on May 22, 2016 at 19:05 said:
  
  I think you mean you’re not keen on some of the high key finishes?
  
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  - ckponderings on May 23, 2016 at 06:22 said:
    
    That’s probably it, lol…
    
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Kiki on May 22, 2016 at 10:22 said:

Naturally, I like them all, but “Tangle in the borders” is great, and perfect in b&w.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 22, 2016 at 10:30 said:
  
  Thank you so much, Kiki. This place was so packed with glorious things. And yes, Tangle had to be in black and white to make the contrasts and patterns much stronger.
  
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