Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, usually referred to simply as Kew Gardens, are extensive gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond upon Thames and Kew in southwest London, England. The current director is Sir Peter Crane.

Kew Gardens today

Kew Gardens is a leading centre of botanical research, a training ground for professional gardeners, and a popular visitor attraction. The gardens are mostly quite informal, with a few more formal areas. There are extensive conservatories, a herbarium, and a library.

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Kew is important as a repository of seeds; it has one of the most important seedbanks. With the Harvard University Herbaria, and the Australian National Herbarium, they co-operate in the IPNI database to produce an authoritative source of information on the nomenclature of plants.

Related Topics:
Seedbank - Harvard University - Herbarium - IPNI - Nomenclature

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Despite often unfavourable growing conditions (atmospheric pollution from London, dry soils and low rainfall) it remains one of the most comprehensive plant collections in Britain. In an attempt to expand the collections away from these unfavourable conditions, Kew has established two out-stations, at Wakehurst Place in Sussex, and (jointly with the Forestry Commission) Bedgebury Pinetum in Kent, the latter specialising in growing conifers.

Related Topics:
Pollution - London - Soil - Rain - Sussex - Forestry Commission - Bedgebury Pinetum - Kent - Conifers

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There is an admission fee for the gardens. The nearest combined rail and London Underground station is Kew Gardens station (District Line and Silverlink) to the north of the gardens, within easy walking distance.

Related Topics:
London Underground - Kew Gardens station - District Line - Silverlink

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