Duke's Garden

Formerly the private garden for Cambridge Cottage, the Duke's Garden became part of the Royal Botanic Gardens in 1904.

Within this tranquil walled garden, there are large formal lawns framed by a series of seasonal beds. The plantings of trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials have been designed to provide floral interest throughout the year. An informal flower garden, it has been created by combining both species and cultivars, with the emphasis on pleasure rather than on science. The Duke's Garden provides a quiet and calm place to reflect on the wonderful array of plants and habitats encountered on a visit to Kew.

Several alterations were made to the original layout and the Duke's Garden continues to evolve, incorporating new features and plants. A recent feature is the Exotic Border, a place for experiments with plant hardiness. Cannas and gingers are among the tender plants left out for the winter, and 'survival of the fittest' will determine how the border evolves.

Outside the walls, the Duchess Border carries the Lavender Species Collection, with both well-known garden lavenders and a number of tender species, rarely grown in the UK. Various Mediterranean specimens are trialled here to determine their hardiness in the south of England.

With increasing climatic change and the need for more economical water use, a Dry/Gravel Garden has been created in association with Thames Water. This gives an insight into the diversity of attractive plants that can be successfully grown, demanding less water than those traditionally chosen for gardens in the United Kingdom.

Please note: Cambridge Cottage is licensed to host civil wedding ceremonies and receptions and is also available for corporate hire, so the Duke's Garden can occasionally be closed to the public.

Find out more

Holding your wedding in Cambridge Cottage

Continue the tour

Back up to: North Eastern Zone

Carry on to: Cambridge Cottage