Public Education

Guided Tours

Kew 250th Anniversary Walking Tours

The Power of Plants

Starting on 5 January, daily, 12 noon, approx 1 hr, from the Guides' desk, Victoria Plaza - limited to 15 per tour (on a first-come first-served basis), free

This 250th anniversary tour celebrates the vital importance of plants to life on Earth and the scientific work that Kew is doing to conserve plant life.

Kew - not just a pretty place : Series of Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Kew is not just a beautiful garden; it is also an important horticultural and scientific institution. Kew Guides' ambitious programme of tours span most of 2009 giving visitors the chance to see the vital work that goes on behind-the-scenes. The series begins with a tour of the Tropical Nurseries in February and early March as part of the Tropical Extravaganza Festival, followed by the Alpine Nursery In April and May; the Jodrell Laboratories in June and July, the Herbarium in August and September; and finally the Economic Botany collection in October and November.

£5 per person, booking essential call 020 8332 5604 or email tours@kew.org

Kew - not just a pretty place : Orchid Nurseries

10 February - 5 March, Tuesday & Thursday

On these special tours, you'll find out about the skills of Kew's orchid growers and get an insight into the techniques they use to care for the diverse collection of living orchids.  

Tours start in front of the White Peaks shop at 1.00pm, 1.30pm, 2.00pm & 2.30pm. The first 3 tours will be followed by Q & A sessions with a member of the horticultural staff and cost £5 per person; the 2.30pm tour will be followed by an orchid potting demonstration and cost £15 per person.

Tours must be booked in advance by calling 020 8332 5604 or emailing tours@kew.org   
Tours are limited to10 places, issued on a first-come, first-served basis

Kew - not just a pretty place: Tropical Nurseries

13 February - 6 March, Fridays, 1.00pm, 1.30pm, 2.00pm, 2.30pm with Q&A session, £5 

Tours must be booked in advance by calling 020 8332 5604 or emailing tours@kew.org
Tours are limited to10 places, issued on a first-come, first-served basis

Orchids Hands-on Sessions

On Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the festival, Kew's Volunteer Guides are offering you a chance to take a closer look at dried and pressed specimens from Kew's Herbarium and jars of orchid flowers from the Spirit Collection. Find out how Kew's orchid specialists use these fascinating specimens to identify orchids, evaluate their rarity and catalogue the orchids from different parts of the world. You will also be able to investigate jars and dishes of tiny orchid seedlings from Kew's Micropropagation Unit, where growers carefully nurture tiny orchid seeds on nutrient-rich gels. Their skills ensure reliable germination and increase the number of rare orchids, for exchange with other orchid growers or possible reintroduction to their natural habitats.

Hands-on sessions take place 2.00 - 4.00pm in the Secluded Garden Glasshouse, free

Related services:

• Kew Explorer - a regular service running every day, covering the major areas of the gardens. Ticket holders are able to get on and off throughout the day.

• Discovery - a mobility service to enable groups of people with special needs to enjoy the magic of the gardens. Must be booked in advance.

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