Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, commonly referred to as Kew Gardens, is a renowned botanical research and education institution located in southwest London, United Kingdom. It is recognized globally for its extensive plant collections and scientific research contributions. Kew Gardens, along with the botanic gardens at Wakehurst in Sussex, is managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

A Rich History

Kew Gardens was officially established in 1840, although its origins can be traced back to the exotic garden at Kew Park, formed by Lord Capel of Tewkesbury. The garden was expanded under the influence of Princess Augusta, the mother of King George III. The Palm House, one of the most iconic structures within the gardens, was constructed in the mid-19th century, designed by architect Decimus Burton and iron-founder Richard Turner to house palm species from tropical regions.

World Heritage Site

In 2003, the gardens were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their historical significance and contribution to plant science. Kew Gardens is not just a place for leisure; it is a center for botanical research, housing over 27,000 taxa of living plants, 8.3 million plant and fungal herbarium specimens, and the Millennium Seed Bank, which contains seeds from nearly 40,000 plant species.

Notable Structures

• Palm House: A pioneering glasshouse structure, the Palm House is home to a rich collection of tropical plants. Its design was innovative for its time and remains an architectural marvel.

• Great Pagoda: Built in 1761 by Sir William Chambers as a gift for Princess Augusta, the Great Pagoda is an example of Chinoiserie architecture and offers insights into the fascination with Eastern design during the period.

• Kew Palace: Situated within the gardens, Kew Palace was originally a house for George III. It is a piece of royal history and part of the gardens' heritage narrative.

Scientific Research and Conservation

Kew Gardens plays a pivotal role in plant and fungal research. Its mission is to apply scientific discovery and research to fully develop the information about and potential uses of plants and fungi. This includes the development of the Plants of the World Online, an extensive database that provides access to Kew’s vast botanical and mycological collections.

Directors

The leadership at Kew has been pivotal in steering the garden's scientific and cultural direction. Notable directors include William Jackson Hooker who expanded the garden's collections and initiated significant scientific studies.

Related Topics

• Botanical Gardens
• Royal Gardens
• Plant Conservation
• Historic Greenhouses

Kew Gardens stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and the plant kingdom, showcasing the importance of botanical research and conservation in our understanding of plant life on Earth.