The History of Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, also known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, is one of the world’s most famous botanical gardens, located in southwest London. The garden was established in 1759 and was originally a royal estate. In 1840, it was opened to the public and became a major tourist attraction. Kew Gardens is home to over 50,000 living plants and an extensive herbarium with over 8 million plant specimens.
The Founding of Kew Gardens
The creation of Kew Gardens can be traced back to King George III’s interest in botany. In 1759, he leased Kew Palace and its surrounding land to Sir William Chambers, a prominent architect of the time, who designed the gardens. Chambers created a picturesque garden with serpentine lakes and winding paths, which was popular with the aristocracy of the time.
The Development of Kew Gardens
The gardens were expanded and developed over the years, with the addition of several notable features. In 1840, the Palm House was built, which is now a Grade I listed building. The Temperate House, which is the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world, was built in 1862. The Princess of Wales Conservatory, which houses ten different climatic zones, was opened in 1987. The gardens also have several museums and galleries, including the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art.
The Plants of Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is home to an incredible variety of plant life, with specimens from all over the world. The gardens have a strong focus on conservation and are actively involved in research and conservation projects around the world. Some of the notable plants in the garden include:
The Titan Arum
The Titan Arum is a rare and unusual plant that is native to the rainforests of Sumatra. It is also known as the “corpse flower” because of its unpleasant smell. The Titan Arum is one of the largest flowering plants in the world, with a height of up to three meters. The plant only flowers once every few years and the flower can last for only a few days.
The Waterlily House
The Waterlily House is home to one of the world’s largest collections of waterlilies, with over 50 different species. The house was built in 1852 and was the first public building in the world to be heated using warm water pipes. The house is also home to several fish species, including the rare Australian lungfish.
The Minka House
The Minka House is a traditional Japanese farmhouse that was built in the Edo period (1603-1868). The house was dismantled in Japan and transported to Kew Gardens, where it was reconstructed in 2001. The house is surrounded by a Japanese garden and is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the gardens.
The Future of Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a vital resource for the study and conservation of plant life, and its importance is only likely to increase as we face the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. The gardens are actively involved in research and conservation projects, and are working to increase public awareness of the importance of plant life.
Kew Gardens and Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today, and Kew Gardens is at the forefront of efforts to combat it. The gardens are involved in research into the effects of climate change on plant life, and are working to develop new ways of mitigating its impact.
Kew Gardens and Biodiversity
Biodiversity loss is another major issue facing our planet, and Kew Gardens is playing an important role in efforts to prevent it. The gardens are involved in research into the conservation of endangered plant species, and are working to develop new techniques for the propagation and cultivation of rare and endangered plants.
Conclusion
Kew Gardens is a truly remarkable place, and anyone with an interest in horticulture, conservation, or simply the beauty of nature should make a point of visiting. With its incredible variety of plant life, its rich history, and its commitment to research and conservation, Kew Gardens is a paradise for garden lovers.