More History and Heritage.....

1945-Today: Modern Kew

Augusta, Princess of Wales

Princess of Wales Conservatory: Design

Kew Today.....

The Princess of Wales Conservatory

Back to: North Eastern Zone

On to: Alpine House

The Princess of Wales Conservatory

Kew's most complex public glasshouse

Opened by Diana, Princess of Wales on 28 July 1987, this most complex of Kew's public glasshouses commemorates Princess Augusta who married Frederick, Prince of Wales, in 1736 and who founded the Gardens.

Ten different environments cover the whole range of conditions in the tropics, ranging from scorching arid desert to moist tropical rainforest; all computer-controlled under one roof.

Two main climate zones, the Dry Tropics and Wet Tropics, occupy most of this conservatory. There are eight more different microclimates in the conservatory, each created for the special needs of a particular plant group. All plants are shown as naturalistically as possible, with ferns clinging to dripping rock faces, and climbers on columns. Paths on different levels bring visitors close to the plants so they can appreciate the subtle details of the vegetation.

Water features strongly in the humid zones, with pools of fish and the famous giant Amazonian waterlily. Plants of great economic importance are growing here, as are carnivorous plants and truly exceptional displays of orchids.

In depth: Princess of Wales Conservatory: Design

Back to: North Eastern Zone

On to: Alpine House