Looking after the Temperate House
Who makes the Temperate House a fantastic experience
for both visitors and scientists alike?
This enormous house is managed by just two permanent members of
staff. There are also Kew Diploma students gaining experience here,
as well as interns and work experience students from outside Kew.
Kew’s volunteer programme also supplies willing hands one
day every week to maintain the outside borders to a high standard.
What do we do?
PLANTING – from April to June and July a wide variety of planting takes
place.
PRUNING – light pruning is carried out throughout the year but the major
work takes place from March to May.
SEASONAL DISPLAYS – three different seasonal displays are created throughout
the year.
RENOVATION – beds are often renovated: compost is worked in, plants are
re-sited and new plants are added.
CARE – watering, weeding and leaf-picking are carried out 365 days a year.
Mulching beds and feeding plants with organic foliar feed and soil fertilisers
are also carried out regularly.
PEST CONTROL – this occurs from
April to October and uses many different biological controls specific
to the pests found in the house, including ladybirds and lacewings.
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