Seed Collecting

Can I view the Millennium Seed Bank?

The Millennium Seed Bank includes a display for visitors. It is also possible to see some of the scientists at work. The vaults are not open to the public.
Find out more about the Millennium Seed Bank....

Why is the Millennium Seed Bank known as an insurance policy?

Seeds are stored against future possible extinction. This is with agreement of our partner countries. Seeds can only be reintroduced or distributed with their agreement. Seeds may be made available for research or conservation projects but are not available for distribution to the general public.

How many species have been collected at the Millennium Seed Bank?

Almost 100% of British Species have been collected and we aim to have collected 10% of world Species by 2010.
More Millennium Seed Bank FAQs....

Can I deposit seed at the Seedbank?

Members of the public cannot deposit seed in the Seed Bank. A mini-seedbank is available for you to store your own seed.
Find out more about seed storage....

How can I find out more about the Aloe suzannae?

See the online plant profile of Aloe suzannae....

Why is Kew's work in Madagascar so important?

Madagascar's flora is unique, and many plants are endangered.
Find out more about the Kew's work in Madagascar....

Where is Wakehurst Place?

Wakehurst Place is Kew's Country Garden. It is set in the Sussex High Weald - an area of outstaning natural beauty. As well as housing a world-renowned botanic garden, the 500-acre estate includes the Loder Valley Nature Reserve, a centre for conservation of three native UK habitats of woodland, wetland and meadowland.
Find out more about Wakehurst Place....

Kew Palace

When will Kew Palace be open to the public?

Extensive renovation and conservation has been undertaken by Historic Royal Palaces who are responsible for Kew Palace.The Palace is scheduled to reopen in 2006.
Find out more about the restoration on the Historic Royal Palaces' website....

Why is Kew Palace not administered by the Royal Botanic Gardens?

Kew Palace is a Royal Palace and is run by the Historic Royal Palaces, set up in 1989 to administer the unoccupied royal Palaces. In 1841 Kew passed from direct Royal control to the government, although technically its owner is still the HM Queen Elizabeth II.

What is the history of the Palace?

Kew Palace was originally built in the 17th century for a Dutch Merchant (hence the historic name of 'The Dutch House'). It became a royal residence for the children of George II. George III and his wife Queen Charlotte loved Kew and Queen Charlotte was to die in Kew Palace.
Find out more about the history of Kew Palace....

I would like to find out more about the old bottle found at Kew.

The bottle comes from Spa in Belgium and is the property of the Historic Royal Palaces.

What is the Queen's Garden?

The Queen's Garden was created in 1960s from a courtyard. Its plants are 17th century and the labels are unique within Kew showing their original names and uses as well as incorporating quotations.
Find out more about the history of Kew Palace....

Down House & the Sikkim rhododendrons

Where is Down House?

Down House is now an English Heritage property and information can be found at www.english-heritage.org.uk

How can I find out more details about World Heritage Sites?

Details of World Heritage sites and Kew's work towards obtaining the status can be found in FAQs for Episode 5.

Why has Kew not got any rhododendrons left from Hooker's collection?

Kew has an abundance of rhododendrons. The Rhododendron Dell has over 700 specimens. In the 19th century, Joseph Hooker brought back many plants from the Himalayas. Although none of the actual rhododendrons he brought back from this trip now grow in the gardens, we do have many of the species he introduced. Unfortunately pollution affected many of the plants. In addition Kew's soil is poor and lacking in nutrients. It is also alkaline.
Find out more about the Rhododendron Dell....

Who was William Hooker?

William Hooker was a distinguished botanist. He was appointed Kew's first official director in 1841.
Find out more about William Hooker....

Who was Joseph Hooker?

Joseph Hooker was a distinguished plant collector who travelled extensively. He succeeded his father as Kew's director.
Find out more about Joseph Hooker....

More can also be found at www.jdhooker.org.uk including information on his friendship with Darwin.

What was the role of Darwin at Kew?

Darwin never worked at Kew but was a close friend of the second Director, Joseph Hooker.
Find out more about Charles Darwin and Kew....

What is Kew's Herbarium?

The Herbarium holds over 7 million plant collections. These are used as the basis of study by botanists all around the world.
Find out more about the Herbarium....

Can I view Darwin's collections?

The Herbarium is not open to the public. Occasionally there are open days and Friends of Kew events.

What is the relationship with Castle Howard?

Kew's work with Castle Howard was formalised 8 years ago with the formation of the Castle Howard Arboretum Trust. There is an extensive collection of wooded plants including 500 species of rhododendrons.
Find out more about Kew's work with the Castle Howard Arboretum Trust....

Where is the outward register kept?

The register is part of Kew's archive. Members of the public can only visit the library or archives if they have a valid research need and make a prior appointment.