Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens Temperate House from the Pagoda - geograph.org.uk - 227173

Flagpole, Kew Gardens - geograph.org.uk - 227188

kew-tea-house

Kew Gradens Sackler Crossing

Alpine House, Kew Gardens, 2018 edit

Kew Gardens is a renowned botanical garden located in the southwest of London, England. It is recognized as one of the most extensive and significant botanical gardens in the world, housing the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections. The gardens cover an area of approximately 300 acres along the south bank of the River Thames and are a top attraction for both tourists and researchers.

History

The history of Kew Gardens dates back to the 18th century, with its establishment as a private garden by the royal family. Over the years, it has evolved from a modest garden to a leading center for botanical research and conservation. The gardens were officially designated as a national botanical garden in 1840, under the directorship of Sir William Hooker, marking the beginning of its transformation into a scientific institution.

Collections and Research

Kew Gardens is home to over 50,000 living plant species, along with millions of plant and fungal specimens within the Herbarium and the Fungal Herbarium. The gardens play a crucial role in plant conservation, housing over 14,000 trees in the Arboretum, including rare and endangered species.

Research at Kew Gardens is focused on plant and fungal science, conservation, and sustainable development. Scientists at Kew collaborate with international partners to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. The Millennium Seed Bank, located at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden in Sussex, is a vital part of Kew's conservation efforts, aiming to safeguard seed samples of the world's plant species.

Attractions and Features

Kew Gardens boasts a variety of attractions, including iconic glasshouses, historic buildings, and thematic gardens. The Palm House is one of the most famous glasshouses, showcasing a rainforest environment, while the Temperate House is the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world, housing a vast collection of temperate climate plants. The Princess of Wales Conservatory, named after Princess Augusta, offers ten different climate zones, ranging from dry tropics to moist temperate environments.

Other notable features include the Treetop Walkway, providing visitors with a bird's-eye view of the gardens, and the Kew Palace, a former royal residence within the gardens. The Great Pagoda, built in 1762, is another landmark, offering panoramic views of London.

Conservation and Education

Kew Gardens is at the forefront of plant and fungal conservation, working on various projects worldwide to preserve biodiversity. Education is also a key part of Kew's mission, with the gardens offering a wide range of educational programs and resources for all ages, aiming to inspire and inform the public about the importance of plants and fungi to life on Earth.

Visiting Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is open to the public year-round, offering a unique blend of scientific research, conservation, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the vast collections, enjoy seasonal displays, and participate in educational tours and workshops.