Penn's Village joined John Whitenight on a tour of some of the lesser-known natural history institutions in London, such as the Grant Museum of Zoology, which was established in 1827, as well as the Linnean Society of London, founded in 1788.

Along with these hidden gems we visited the famous British Museum for a look at their nature themed jewelry created from ivory, cameo shell, etc. that graced elegant women of the Victorian era.

Then on to the Victoria and Albert to take in an exhibit, the likes of which has never been seen. This exhibit entitled, “Fashioned from Nature,” takes us on a 300-year journey illustrating the many ways in which man has used natural materials to wear as well as to adorn. Rare and delicate articles of clothing fashioned from flax, fur, feathers, pineapple fibers, and yes, even exotic beetle wings show how man used and exploited the natural world for the sake of fashion and adornment.

The second part of the exhibit poignantly shows how designers of the 21st century have used the theme of nature in eco-appropriate fabric prints and materials such as faux fur.

The presentation culminated in a tour of the Chelsea Flower Show, the scope and beauty of which is simply indescribable. We strolled through the Great Pavilion and saw thousands of colorful tulips, daffodils, gladiolas, and primroses presented by commercial growers. There were also competitive exhibits of bonsai, artistic floral displays, and a category entitled, “Design a Throne Chair.”

We concluded the visit with a look at the exterior garden displays that surround the Great Pavilion.