Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, England
It’s hard to believe southwest London is home to one of the largest and most diverse botanical collections in the world. But it is! Kew Gardens opened in 1759 with a design greatly influenced by the royal residences in the area. Kew Gardens successfully cultivated rubber trees outside South America, plus it houses multi-record-breaking flowers such as the 9ft 10-inch titan arum from the rainforests of Sumatra.
As you wander through verdant gardens, seek out the ‘Five Lions’. These are five trees which have survived since the gardens opened in the mid-1700s. They consist of a pagoda tree, a ginkgo, oriental plane, false acacia and a Caucasian elm.
Guided tours are available, where you can explore The Hive, stroll along treetop walkways and discover plant species of the Palm House. With rare orchids, ferns and bromeliads to discover, you’ll need more than a day to immerse yourself in this vibrant kaleidoscope of colour.
Comments