What are the Summer Swing concerts?

Kew's Summer Swing concerts are held in July every year and have a loyal following. This year acts include Jules Holland, Viva Cuba! Buena Vista Social Club, Illegal Eagles/ UK Beach Boys, the Rat Pack and Clare Teal and the BBC Big Band. Details can be found on our website - www.kew.org/summerswing - and booking is through www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Priority booking is for Friends and previous subscribers.

How can I find out about other World Heritage Sites?

Information can be found on Kew's World Heritage site status at www.kew.org/heritage. There you can also see a page listing all the other UK sites, and a link to UNESCO'S World Heritage website - whc.unesco.org

Which aspects of Kew did the World Heritage Committee support?

The World Heritage Committee's report of 2003 stated "This historic landscape garden features elements that illustrate significant periods of the art of gardens, from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The gardens house botanic collections (conserved plants, living plants and documents) that have been considerably enriched through the centuries. Since their creation in 1759, the gardens have made a signficant and uninterrupted contribution to the study of plant diversity and economic botany".

Why are Visitors needed to secure Kew's future?

Under the Heritage Act, 1983 the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew became a corporate body with charitable status. It is now partially financed by Defra, reflecting the importance of the fundamental science and conservation work carried out by Kew and our significance as a world-leading botanic garden. The remaining funding (approximately 40%) is from admissions, commercial activities and fund-raising. Visitors are therefore vital. We also want to share the Gardens with as many as possible.

Where is the Marine Display?

The Marine Display is in the basement of the Palm House - see www.kew.org/places/ kew/marinedisplay.html. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access due to the nature of the building.

Is Kew permitted to gather seaweed?

The sea-weed collected by Kew is gathered and displayed live. There are two areas where we collect seaweed. We have obtained permission from the people responsible for them.

Why are algae so important?

Algae provide 50% of the world's oxygen. No algae, no life on earth, no Kew

What is Kew's 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.

Would people come to my school / Outreach projects?

Unfortunately we can't give hands-on assistance, but we are developing lots of helpful information to support our own new Wildlife Zone, including a comprehensive Teachers' Pack for schools. Learning Through Landscapes - www.ltl.org.uk - can also give advice about creating school gardens.

I would like more information about the flowering of the giant Victoria waterlily

You can read more about this, and see timelpase footage showing a giant waterlily flowering, at www.kew.org/plants/waterlilies

Where can I find out more details about the giant waterlilies at Kew, and about the Waterlily House?

See the FAQs for Episode 4, including details of when the Waterlily House is closed

Is it necessary to pollinate plants?

Many plants at Kew will be naturally pollinated without intervention. Some will self-polinating, whilst others require pollen from a different plant to ensure succes. This is often accomplished by insects. Whilst the Victoria waterlily could self-pollinate, Kew staff act as the pollinator to guarantee seed for future years.

Is Kew really haunted?

Members of Kew staff have seen ghosts, as have visitors.

How can you tell if trees are suffering from stress?

It is very difficult to identify if trees are suffering from stress. It can be a couple of years before it becomes apparent.