Looking down on a jungle ... the Barbican ?!?!

Just back off holiday, but haven't caught up with myself yet.

I think I am divulging one of London's best kept secrets today - the conservatory garden at the Barbican. You can see the 10 meter tall bamboo ( a variegated Phyllostachys) from outside the Silk Street entrance, but you probably wouldn't realise that it was part of rambling conservatory garden with around 2,000 varieties of plants. Or, that you can wander in and around there on a Sunday (or on any other day when they are preparing the conservatory room for a function, if you ask the gardeners nicely enough). Even if you aren't that interested in green growing things, may I recommend that you have a look one day, if you can? If you don't like it, I'll give you your money back (it's free).

Singularly difficult to capture the lushness in a photograph, this is my best effort.

Barbican Oasis

While I'm on holiday, a series of photographs of the quirky or surprising taken along the route of High Street 2012. To find out more about HS2012, visit Diamond Geezer.

The Barbican is a strange place, combining the forbidding with inviting, kitch and exquisite design, hustle and calm. This is a shot of the oasis at the centre of the Barbican, you can get to it through the Silk Street entrance or the high walks. If you haven't visited, I would recommend you do.

Still on holiday.....

Saturday Night Fever?

While I'm on holiday, a series of photographs of the quirky or surprising taken along the route of High Street 2012. To find out more about HS2012, visit Diamond Geezer.

If you think there's something wrong about this photo, I've turned it upside-down. It's not a dancefloor, but the lighting in the Barbican Centre. I'm still on holiday, so the photos will be hanging around the Barbican for the next day or so.