Olympic rings replanted to celebrate London 2012
To celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games, Kew Gardens floral tribute has received an exciting makeover.
24 Jul 2012
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- 3 comments
As the London 2012 Olympic Games approaches, Kew Gardens has joined in the celebrations with a special tribute.
Celebrating the London 2012 Olympic Games
The floral 'spectacular', originally installed to mark 100 days until the opening of the games, was planted by a team of Kew staff and volunteers and has been viewed by thousands of visitors since being unveiled in May.
As the Games draws even closer and the excitement in London builds, the display has been replanted with a further six plant species. This refresh ensures those visiting the Gardens and flying into London's Heathrow Airport are able to experience the installation in all its glory.
Also in celebration of London 2012, Kew's horticulturists have created a floral version of the Paralympics symbol featuring the three agitos in red, blue and green.
Both of these floral tributes provide a stunning backdrop to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay when it passes briefly through the Gardens on 24th July, day 67, on route from Kingston to Ealing.
Introducing the plants
A variety of colourful plants have been used for this first replant of the rings;
- French marigold (Tagetes patula) ‘Atom Yellow’
- garden lobelia (Lobelia erinus) ‘Cambridge Blue’
- lilyturf (Ophiopogon planiscapus) ‘Nigrescens’
- pelargonium (Pelargonium × hortorum) ‘Horizon Red’
- apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) 'Green'
If you're visiting London this summer, be sure to spend a day at Kew Gardens and see both displays marking this once in a lifetime event.
Your London 2012 highlights
Now you've read how Kew Gardens is celebrating the London 2012 Olympic Games, we'd love to hear what you are doing. Share your stories below using the comment box and we'll publish as many as possible.
If you're visiting us during the Olympics, why not take a photo by the installation and share it with our Facebook community and Flickr group?
Finally, from everyone here at Kew Gardens... Good luck to Team GB!
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3 comments on 'Olympic rings replanted to celebrate London 2012'
Kew Feedback Team says
20/08/2012 4:59:50 PM | Report abuse
Hi there, Thanks for your query. They're currently located outside the Orangery Restaurant however will be removed in the near future. Thanks for getting in touch.
Shilpa says
15/08/2012 6:34:03 PM | Report abuse
Hi, can anyone please tell me until when the olympic rings will be on display? Are they still there? What part of the gardens are they located? Thanks
Gemma Hargreaves says
24/07/2012 3:52:19 PM | Report abuse
I was there today and saw the Olympic Torch pass through Kew Gardens. It was fantastic - the atmosphere was great and the weather was perfect! A great moment at Kew!