Orchids, Willow , Wildlife and Yew at Wakehurst Place

An exciting mix of courses and lectures is on offer throughout the spring at Wakehurst Place, Kew 's country garden at Ardingly, West Sussex . The schedule features a diverse range of subjects that relate to Kew 's work, plus expert figures making lecture appearanes.

Orchids are one of the world's most varied and beautiful plant species, and they are much easier to grow than popularly thought. Orchids for Beginners provides the knowledge and confidence to grow these magnificent flowers at home.

There is plenty of willow at Wakehurst and two courses demonstrate how easy it is to use this versatile and flexible wood to make designs for the garden, including living willow seats.

The ever popular evenings of badger and kingfisher watching are an absolute must for those keen for a chance to see both these remarkable creatures up close and personal.

At his lecture in March, Fred Hageneder, author of 'Yew – A History' (Sutton, Stroud 2007), will give an introduction into the extraordinary botany and ecology of Taxus baccata L. and the controversy regarding its legendary longevity.

A new photographic course will be devoted to outdoor practical photography amidst the spring delights of Wakehurst Place with the guidance of one of the world's most successful flower and garden photographers, Clive Nichols.

*Fees in brackets indicate the concessionary price, where available.

For further information or to book a place, please contact Adult Education on 01444 894310, email adulted@kew.org or download a booking form at www.kew.org. Course and lecture tickets are also available as gifts.

In addition to ornamental gardens, temperate woodlands, two nature reserves and a sixteenth century Mansion , Wakehurst is home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed conservation project in world. Wakehurst Place is on the B2028 between Ardingly and Turners Hill (Junction 10 off the M23). It is open daily, from 10am , except December 24 and 25. For more information, telephone 01444 894066 or log on to www.kew.org.

-ENDS-

Further Information

Sarah Oldridge, Adult Education Coordinator

Tel: 01444 894310 Email: adulted@kew.org

Sharon Buckley, Wakehurst Place Press Office

Tel: 01444 894018 Email: s.buckley@kew.org