Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (commonly referred to as Kew Gardens) is a world-renowned botanical garden located in Kew, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, England. The gardens are managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, an internationally important botanical research and education institution. The gardens were founded in 1840 from the exotic garden at Kew Park in Middlesex, which was augmented by the botanical collections of the Royal Horticultural Society.

History

The origins of Kew Gardens can be traced back to the exotic garden at Kew Park, formed by Lord Capel of Tewkesbury in the early 18th century. The gardens were later expanded by Princess Augusta, the mother of King George III, in 1759. Under the direction of Sir Joseph Banks, the gardens became a leading scientific institution in the late 18th century.

Collections

Kew Gardens is home to one of the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world. The living collections include more than 30,000 different kinds of plants, while the herbarium, one of the largest in the world, has over seven million preserved plant specimens. The gardens also house extensive collections of plant-related artifacts, including books, botanical illustrations, and manuscripts.

Notable Structures

Kew Gardens features several iconic structures, including:

• The Palm House, a large glasshouse built in the 1840s to house tropical plants.
• The Temperate House, the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world.
• The Princess of Wales Conservatory, which houses ten different climatic zones.
• The Kew Pagoda, a ten-story octagonal structure built in 1762.

Research and Education

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a leading center for botanical research and education. It conducts extensive research in plant and fungal biology, conservation, and sustainable development. The gardens also offer a range of educational programs for all ages, from school visits to postgraduate courses.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2003, Kew Gardens was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its historical significance and its contributions to botanical science and conservation.

Visiting

Kew Gardens is open to the public year-round and offers a variety of attractions, including guided tours, seasonal events, and exhibitions. The gardens also feature several cafes and gift shops.

Related Pages

• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
• Kew
• London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
• Royal Horticultural Society
• Sir Joseph Banks
• UNESCO World Heritage Site