Press Release
Passion: The Irresistible Beauty of Orchids
In association with Swan Hellenic Cruises
24 November 2004
Immediate release
Kew Gardens’ 11 Annual Orchid Festival
5 February – 6 March 2005
Be irresistibly drawn to Kew Gardens this February as it opens its magnificent glasshouse doors onto its eleventh annual orchid festival. This year’s theme is Passion: The Irresistible Beauty of Orchids and visitors will be dazzled by a quarter of a million orchids of all shapes, colours and sizes, adorning the steamy Princess of Wales Conservatory in new designs masterminded by Kew’s talented horticulture team.
In line with this theme, seven passionate orchid lovers disclose what makes their hearts beat faster when it comes to this exotic and intoxicating breed. Alison Lontay is a fashion designer who has long been inspired by orchids and sees their structure as little vignettes of human life. The spotlight also falls on John Day, intrepid Victorian orchid hunter who devoted his life’s work to the species; entrancing Victorian society with his intricately painted scrapbooks and images. Likewise Benedict Roezl, embodiment of the passion, obsession, danger and excitement inherent in an orchid hunter’s work. Despite the loss of a hand, Roezl travelled the world in his quest to collect over 800 new species of orchid – a daunting mission which began in 1854. Today, over 40 plants bear his name.
Kath King has worked at Kew for almost ten years and now manages the Tropical Nursery – hotbed of orchid passion. Kath’s enthusiasm has seen the number of orchids at Kew double in just two years under her care and she now has an empire of almost 8,000 orchids to tend; a task which the recent BBC 2 series highlighted to viewers. The renowned fragrance chemist Roman Kaiser has such affinity with the exotic and alluring scent of orchids that he has an orchid named after him in recognition of his outstanding research in the field of orchids scent. Customs officer Guy Clarke has a unique and very different experience of the species as he monitors arrivals of orchids at Heathrow each year against permit allowances. Last but certainly by no means least is Lord Attenborough, a passionate and enthusiastic orchid lover with his own collection – a glamorous flower for a glamorous man.
Adding to the allure of this year’s display is a unique Kew “first” – a stunning glass sculpture by world renowned artist Dale Chihuly will captivate visitors and announce the opening of the Gardens’ exciting installation of his works in May 2005.
To further satisfy your urge for orchids, why not take a peek into White Peaks exhibition space and view yet more of the beautiful blooms – this time in the form of a stunning photographic exhibition by Andrew McRobb. And if you’re starting to feel breathless with the heady passion of it all, why not bring your beloved to soak up the atmosphere as a special Valentine’s Day treat? Last year’s extremely popular Valentine’s evening packages are on offer with new options – book early to avoid broken hearts!
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Notes to Editors - Passionate Events at Kew, February
- March 2005
All bookings through Ticketmaster on 0870 150 5415.
Please note: phone lines open on 9 December
Monday, 14 February, Valentine's Day at Kew
More flowers than you can imagine. View the amazing orchids in the Princess
of Wales Conservatory and then share a romantic dinner for two in the
historic Orangery. Three course dinner and live music: £60 per
person
An alternative for your special Valentine's evening is an orchid view followed by an intimate dinner for two in Cambridge Cottage – former royal residence and listed building. Four course dinner and live music: £75 per person
A unique, enchanted and exclusive evening can be arranged for two to dine by candlelight alone in the Secluded Garden glasshouse. Four course dinner, champagne and your own private valet for the evening: £1,000. Call 0208 332 5651 to discuss booking.
Orchid Viewings: Wednesday February 16 and February 23
Stroll through the beautiful orchids in the Princess of Wales Conservatory,
enjoy a glass of wine and canapés: £20 per person
Orchid Dinners: Thursday, February 17 and February 24
Wander through the glamorous orchids then dine in the Orangery. Three
course dinner and live music: £55 per person
Mother's Day Brunch: Sunday, March 6 Mum deserves a great day out – why not pamper her and bring her to the most famous garden in the world? View the orchids, see the bulbs and celebrate spring at Kew! Full brunch with a glass of champagne: £50 per person. There will be two sittings: 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
Kew Gardens is open daily during the orchid festival
from 9.30 am – 5.30 pm.
Glasshouses close at 5.00 pm. For details about visiting Kew, phone
020 8332 5655 or log on to www.kew.org. Entry is £10.00 for adults,
£7.00 for concessions, free entry for children aged 16 and under.
Gardens of Glass: Chihuly at Kew is kindly sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline
A selection of images are available from Kew Gardens press office, tel. 020 8332 5607 or email pr@kew.org (please note: not for publication).
Lauren Bird Press Officer Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond Surrey TW9 3AB +44 (0)208 332 5607
For further Press information please contact:
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Kew: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5607/5619 |
Wakehurst Place: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)1444 894018 |
