This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
Located in southwest London, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and anyone seeking a unique experience. As I walked through the doors to the Ethereal White Persian Pond, I couldn't help but exclaim, 'Wow!' The magnificent white lilies that caught my eye were, in fact, made of glass, but they were so realistic that I was momentarily fooled.
My wife and I had been traveling around the south of England, staying in various towns and cities, including Bath, Lyme Regis, and Southampton. She had been looking forward to a day trip to London, but she didn't want to do the usual touristy things. Instead, she wanted to visit a garden, and I'm glad she did. The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, is a world-renowned institution, and its brochure boasts of 'stunning landscapes, iconic buildings, and glasshouses, and inspirational art galleries.' We found that the boast was justified.
The Temperate House is an iconic glasshouse that is home to an incredible collection of plants from around the world. As you walk through its doors, you'll feel like you're traveling across five continents and onto 16 islands. The house is not only an amazing collection of plants but also plays a crucial role in saving some of the world's rarest and most threatened species.
Another highlight of our visit was the Princess of Wales Conservatory, which features a stunning collection of waterlilies. The largest of these, a Victoria amazonica, has leaves that are two meters wide and produces aromatic white flowers that open at sunset and turn pink by the morning. Unfortunately, we weren't able to visit the Hive, a massive wire construction that replicates the world of the honeybee, as some repair work was underway.
Our visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, was not just about the plants and buildings; it was also about the sensory experiences on offer. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Pavilion Bar and Grill, which offered a range of food options, and we were impressed by the variety of glass artworks by Dale Chihuly that were on display throughout the gardens and in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art.
