Featured in this episode

Palms of Madagascar

Giant Atlas Moths

Plant Auction

Giant Waterlilies

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Other episodes

• Episode 1

• Episode 2

• Episode 3

• Episode 4

• Episode 5

• Episode 6

• Episode 7

• Episode 8

• Episode 9

• Episode 10

• Episode 11

• Episode 12

BBC's 'A Year at Kew'

Episode 4

Palms of Madagascar

Over 90% of all Madagascar’s plants and animals exist no where else in the world and yet every year more and more become extinct. Kew has established a base here to set up long term programmes and work with local people to preserve the plants before it is too late.

John Dransfield is the world’s leading authority on Madagascan palms. He is taking one last trip back there before retirement in search of a palm he helped identify but which he fears has disappeared forever, cut down to clear the land for farming.

Release of the Giant Atlas Moths

Behind the scenes in the Lower Nursery Steve Ketley looks after the fern collection. But in the quiet moments he is able to spend time with his other great passion - the stunning giant Atlas moths. Once the cocoons are ready to hatch Steve releases them for the public to enjoy in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.

Plant Auction – the event

The evening of the prestigious Plant Auction finally arrives for Helen Long and her team with the rare and unusual plants all ready in their lots. It’s a nerve wracking time for Helen, not only anxious that everything runs smoothly, but that the plants go for the best possible price to raise as much money as possible for Kew’s conservation work.

Two rare trees emerge as the star lots of the evening.

Giant waterlilies

The Waterlily House at Kew is home to one of the main summer attractions - Victoria cruziana, the giant waterlily.

With huge flowers that open for just a few days, and record-breaking leaves that are large and strong enough to bear the weight of a small child, it is amazing to think that this plant is an annual and is raised from seed each year.

Emma Fox is keen that her lily outgrows the other giant waterlily in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, so she makes special feedballs to give her Victoria the edge. But which one will win?

Find out more

If you've still got questions posed by the BBC series check out the extensive online Frequently Asked Questions

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