Kew Highlights, Summer 2008

Must sees

Queen’s Garden

The 17th-century gardens behind Kew Palace are guaranteed to restore flagging spirits, as the plants you’ll find here were mainly cultivated for their medicinal properties. Take a stroll around and discover many herbal varieties that we still use to this day. The courtyard vegetable beds are using some wonderful hand-made willow supports this year and the yew hedge is undergoing a well-deserved restoration.

Waterlily House

The hottest and most humid of Kew's glasshouses is also one of the smallest, but no less of a wonder for it's size. The Waterlily House was built in 1851, and is home to a host of tropical and ornamental aquatic plants, including the beautiful giant Victoria cruziana at the centre.

Palm House Parterre

This well-loved display, one of the most iconic images of Kew, will look quite different this year. The parterre will join the rest of the gardens in celebrating trees, and these trees will be underplanted with a soft swathe of colour, a little less formal than usual for this Victorian feature.

Bamboo Garden

One of the most comprehensive collections of established bamboos open to the public, Kew’s bamboo garden includes both well-known lofty pole varieties as well as wispy, variegated species. Dominating the garden is the Minka House, an authentic Japanese farm dwelling dating from the early 1900s and reconstructed at Kew in 2001.

Woodland Garden

The Temple of Aeolus, designed by Sir William Chambers between 1760 and 1763, overlooks this cool, shady garden. Sheltering beneath its canopy of oaks and birches are herbaceous perennials such as cyclamen, primulas and Himalayan blue poppies that provide vibrant bursts of colour. Look out for the giant lilies, Cardiocrinum giganteum, flowering among the shrubs, rhododendrons and maples.

For the children

Climbers and Creepers

Take your children to our unique interactive botanical play area, where they can wiggle through tunnels like a field mouse and slide down our giant pitcher plant.

Kid’s Guide

New to Kew, this guide features exciting places to visit and things to do.  It includes stickers, a map, activities, fascinating facts and bad jokes!

Badger Sett

Discover what a Badger's home is really like.  Walk through the meter high underground tunnels and discover food stores and sleeping chambers.

Aquatic Displays

Look out for the aquatic displays in the basements of the Palm House and Princess of Wales Conservatory.

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