The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is one of the world's leading botanic gardens.
London Where
Kew Gardens London
greenhouses that resemble glass castles
More than twelve percent of the world's known plant species can be found on the manicured grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Add 300 acres, 250 years of British history, nearly two million visitors annually, and greenhouses that resemble glass castles. A staff of 800, mostly plant specialists and scientists work at Kew Gardens in London.
Kew Gardens London, UK
Kew Gardens lie between Richmond and Kew in southwest London. Julius Caesar is thought to have crossed the Thames at Kew on his first visit to Britain in 53 BC. The first reference to a settlement is in 1313 and by 1483 the hamlet of Kew was of taxable size. In the 16th century, Henry VII built a Palace in the royal hunting park at Richmond, moving his court there for the summer months. In the 18th century Prince Frederick and Princess Augusta started a garden around Kew Palace, adjacent to the Royal Park. In 1759 William Aiton was recruited from Chelsea Physic Garden to manage the small "Physick Garden" at Kew. This garden grew in size, absorbing in stages land from the Park, and became a place for the Royal Family and a succession of gifted gardeners and scientists to experiment with plants and garden landscaping. In 1761 was built the lofty Chinese pagoda. The Palm House was built between 1844 and 1848.
a splendid display for all tastes
It takes around three hours to explore the whole 121 hectares of the Gardens. The Kew Gardens is about one mile across and it takes about 40 minutes to walk across. Even in the middle of winter the Kew Gardens and the greenhouses hold a splendid display for all tastes.
The Royal Botanic Gardens "Summer Swing" picnic concerts are re-launching as "Kew the Music" and Kew Gardens is proud to announce this year's stellar line-up.
Kew teams up with The Times for Chelsea 2011. Kew is delighted to announce that it is working in partnership with The Times to create a garden showcasing the significance of plants to science and society, through an eye-catching and innovative design by Chelsea gold medallist Marcus Barnett.
The stunning botanic Kew Gardens contain some of the most beautiful gardens found in London and is great for a relaxing walk in the summer. The best news is children under 17 go free to Kew Gardens.
