What's in the spring issue

In the spring issue of Kew magazine we’ve got some fascinating features for you. We look at why researching and protecting the wild relatives of our crops is so important, in two revealing features about wild coffee and chocolate.

We take a tour of the most beautiful erythroniums at Kew and Wakehurst, and see how Wakehurst is helping to conserve a local Sussex rarity.

We also chat to Modfather Paul Weller ahead of his performance at Kew this summer for the Kew the Music festival. Find out what he loves about the Gardens and what his favourite flower is!

There’s always plenty to see and do at Kew and Wakehurst so remember to check out the magazine's complete list of events, too.

Take a look now and make sure you get your copy to support Kew's work.

Features

Cover story:

The Breathing Planet Campaign
Find out why Kew needs your support to pursue important plant research and conservation work at home and abroad, and to develop the historic Gardens for the future.

Behind the scenes:

That's entertainment
Ahead of his concert at Kew, Paul Weller talks about his music and happy memories of the Gardens.
Where the wild chocolate grows
Discover the origins of chocolate and the importance of conserving the cacao tree's native habitat.
Wakehurst View
Our native Rapunzel flower is in trouble but with Kew's help this story should have a happy ending. Read a pdf here.

Kew Science:

Trouble brewing
With climate change threatening coffee harvests, Kew's research into wild species is ever more vital.
Watch Dr Aaron Davis's film about "Coffee and climate change" on YouTube
View a pdf of this feature here

In the Gardens:

Beauties in the woods
Get a foretaste of the treat in store for you at Kew and Wakehurst this spring when the erythroniums come into flower.
Look back at Kew
Enjoy this glimpse into Kew's fascinating archive to see how times have changed.
Hidden dragon
It may not breathe fire but Kew's dragon tree is a truly spectacular sight when in full bloom.

Opinion:

Ash to ashes?
Tony Kirkham, head of Kew's Arboretum, gives his view on the threat to our native ash trees.

Read about Kew's work to save a local Sussex rarity

Regulars:

News – all the latest from Kew and Wakehurst

Season Highlights - the best places to head for in Kew this spring

Direction – Kew's director Richard Deverell on his priorities for Kew

What’s On – all the events listings for Kew and Wakehurst

New in Store – books and gifts from Kew

The spring issue of Kew magazine is on sale from 8 March 2013.
Look out for the summer issue on 31 May 2013.

Browse past issues