The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, commonly known as Kew Gardens, is located in Kew in southwest London. Established in 1759, it is one of the most extensive collections of living plants in the world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.
History
- The site was originally a royal estate, with the first garden established by Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, the widow of Frederick, Prince of Wales, in 1759.
- It was later expanded and developed under the direction of William Aiton and his son, John Aiton, who served as the first and second head gardeners respectively.
- In 1840, Joseph Dalton Hooker became the garden's director, enhancing its scientific and educational aspects.
- The gardens came under state ownership in 1841 and were managed by the Board of Works until 1885 when they became a public institution.
Key Features and Attractions
- The Palm House - A magnificent glasshouse built in 1848, housing a vast collection of tropical plants.
- The Temperate House - The world's largest Victorian glasshouse, completed in 1899, showcasing plants from temperate regions.
- The Jodrell Laboratory - A research facility dedicated to plant science, opened in 1876.
- The Great Pagoda - A 10-story octagonal tower constructed in 1762, restored to its original vibrant colors in 2018.
- The Millennium Seed Bank - Located at Wakehurst Place, it's the world's largest ex-situ seed conservation project, storing seeds from around the world.
- Kew Palace - A former royal residence, now part of the gardens, with historical significance linked to King George III.
Scientific and Conservation Efforts
- Kew Gardens plays a crucial role in plant conservation, taxonomy, and horticultural science. Its extensive collections are used for research into plant taxonomy, plant pathology, and conservation biology.
- The gardens maintain a herbarium, which is one of the largest in the world, containing over 7 million preserved plant and fungal specimens.
- Kew's seed bank project is aimed at conserving plant species at risk of extinction, with an emphasis on biodiversity preservation.
Visitor Information
- Kew Gardens is open to the public year-round, with various events, festivals, and exhibitions held throughout the year.
- It offers educational programs, guided tours, and workshops for all ages.
- The gardens are accessible via the Kew Gardens station on the District Line and London Overground.
External Links
Related Topics