Featured in this episode

Queen's visit

Customs seizure

Rose Garden

Wildflower meadow

Find out more

If you've still got questions posed by the BBC series check out the extensive online Frequently Asked Questions

Other episodes

• Episode 1

• Episode 2

• Episode 3

• Episode 4

• Episode 5

• Episode 6

• Episode 7

• Episode 8

• Episode 9

• Episode 10

• Series 1

BBC's 'A Year at Kew'

Series 2, Episode 1

Queen’s visit

It’s been 10 years since Her Majesty the Queen visited the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. In 2003, the Gardens became a World Heritage Site and Her Majesty is visiting to mark the achievement. As the visit approaches, staff are out in force to make sure everything is immaculate as lawns are cut, the Palm House windows are washed and Palm House bedding is prepared while Tony Kirkham finds the perfect present.

Custom’s seizure

Guy Clarke from HM Customs and Excise has seized a shipment of blinds which he believes contains ramin, a rare tropical hardwood. Dr Peter Gasson investigates.

Rose Garden

The Rose Garden behind the Palm House is one of the Gardens’ most popular areas. It takes a lot of looking after and Laurie reveals some of his secrets to maintaining such a prestigious area.

Wildflower meadow

Down by the Temperate House, totally different plants are emerging. Tony Hall lets nature take over as a beautiful wildflower meadow bursts through.

Find out more

If you've still got questions posed by the BBC series check out the extensive online Frequently Asked Questions

Back to top