Press Release
Spring to Life
Three months of flowering splendour and family activities
20 March - 9 May 2004
20 March - 9 May 2004
For release: 9 January 2004
As the cold and darkness of winter subsides and the warmth and promise
of spring emerges, Kew Gardens is flooded with colours and scents to
excite the senses. Against a background of stately trees with their
fresh new leaves unfurling, two and a half million bulbs burst into
flower from February through to May. The crocus carpet begins the re-awakening,
followed by swathes of golden daffodils, a blue haze of chionodoxa then
Fritillaria and Gladioli. White and pink blossoms of Kew's cherry trees
and magnolia abound and the sensational bluebells carpet the woodland
floor in the Conservation Area in April and May.
Mother's Day: Sunday 21 March 2004
Kew is the perfect place to bring mothers to enjoy the bright colours of spring bulbs and blossoms. For those looking for an extra special treat, Kew introduces for the first time a Mother's Day Lunch in the historic Kew Gardens Gallery. Drinks are served on arrival followed by a three-course lunch in this idyllic setting that opens on to the secluded Dukes Garden. Sittings are at 11.45am for 12.00pm and 2.00pm for 2.15pm. Price £35.00 per person, including entry to the Gardens and a small gift. Advance bookings only Tel 020 8332 5686
Easter Activities: 3 - 18 April 2004
The cuddly stars of Miller's Ark Animal Farm return to Kew this Easter from 3-18 April. Miniature donkeys, Shetland ponies, chicks, baby rabbits and guinea pigs are waiting to be stroked, groomed and bottle-fed by visitors. Storytellers weave magical tales of spring folklore in daily sessions. On Easter Sunday and Monday (11 & 12 April) the annual Easter Egg hunt takes place supported by Kraft Foods. For the first time, visitors can book a special Easter Lunch at Kew Gardens Gallery. A traditional carvery lunch is served in the small, elegant setting; price £25.00 (£12.20 for children under 12) including entry to the Gardens. Advance bookings only Tel 020 8332 5686
May Bank Holiday, Woodland Wonders: 1 - 3 May 2004
May Day Bank Holiday weekend features the glorious bluebells in the woodland at Kew. Queen Charlotte's Cottage, the delightful 18th century folly built for one of Kew's Royal ladies, is at the centre of a lively programme of woodland events. A host of traditional woodland skills including willow weaving, basket and broom making, coracle making and charcoal burning are all demonstrated by skilled craftspeople. Morris dancers, storytelling and a 30m 'zip line' between the trees keep younger visitors entertained. Huge working horses, birds of prey, traditional tools, spinning, weaving and chainsaw sculpture all illustrate the rich diversity of woodland skills that still survive in Britain today.
Being in Place by Judith Cain: 20 March - 9 May
Leeds artist Judith Cain presents twenty large scale paintings inspired by her travels in Europe and Central Asia. Her contemporary style conveys the overwhelming beauty of the natural landscape and wild flora, in sharp contrast to the dereliction and decay left over from the Soviet Era.
Kew Gardens is just 25 minutes from Charing Cross by District line
tube and 20 minutes by overland train from Waterloo. Free parking is
available on Kew Road and Kew Green after 10.00am. Entry is £8.50
for adults, £6.00 concessions, children 16 and under are free.
Kew Gardens is open daily from 9.30am and closes at 5.30pm until 26
March. From 27 March closing is 6.30pm weekdays, 7.30pm weekends and
bank holidays. For details about visiting Kew phone 020 8332 5655 visit
www.kew.org.
For further information and images please contact Ali Cuthbert or Hannah
Rogers at Kew Press Office: tel 020 8332 5607 (please note: not for
publication) or email pr@kew.org
Kew Gardens - Now designated a World Heritage Site Our mission: To enable better management of the Earth's environment by increasing knowledge and understanding of the plant and fungal kingdoms - The basis of life on Earth.
For further Press information please contact:
|
Kew: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5607/5619 |
Wakehurst Place: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)1444 894018 |
