Theres more than just animals to look at these days at London Zoo!

Over the past few years ive noticed the tremendous increase in the use of tropical planting either in the animals enclosures or within the zoo grounds.

Recent new exhibits include the African Bird Walk Through Aviary- with restios, grasses, palms and shrubs, and the Komodo Dragon exhibit with some gorgeous palms and loads of gingers, cannas, grasses, cycads leading up to the entrance of this exhibit. The African Safari and Butterfly exhibit all include some new exotic style planting.

Being in the centre of London you would have thought they could get away with alot more tender plants- but seem to have mainly stuck to the tried and tested route or palms, yuccas and bamboos- with a few surprises, and hopefully they will build on these in future years.

Photos taken in August 2005 and May 2006.

Cheers
Owen