What are cycads?

Cycads are an ancient group of plants dating back over 200m years, and many are now threatened in the wild. Separate male and female plants cannot be distinguished until cone production. Find out more about cycads at www.kew.org/plants/cycads

Why are they thought to be living fossils?

Cycads can live for hundreds of years and first appeared in the Triassic period. They are now threatened with extinction. For more information see our cycad pages at www.kew.org/plants/cycads

Is the cycad still coning?

The female cycad, a specimen of Dioon spinulosum, is no longer coning. The seeds have been collected and they will be used to ensure the continued survival of the plant in our collection and might be shared with other botanic gardens. Find out more about Dioon spinulosum at www.kew.org/plants/
cycads/dioon_spinulosum.html

Why did Kew plant the Wheatfield?

As part of the 2003 Go Wild Festival, the Wheatfield was sown to illustrate the floral diversity of the traditional wheatfield before the intensification in agricultural production methods.

Was wheat or corn planted?

The field was in fact planted with wheat but it also included corn flowers, corn cockles, corn marigolds, corn poppies and crimson clover, which flowered throughout the summer months of 2003. Find out more about the Wheatfield at www.kew.org/places/kew/wheatfield.html

Why did Kew bring a combine harvester on site?

The combine harvester was borrowed to demonstrate the difference in technology and techniques between the traditional and modern methods of agricultural production.

Why did the loaf of bread cost £4,000?

The notional cost of the loaf covered the wheatfield project and included cultivation, cost of the seeds, the harvest weekend, and manpower. It was sown as part of the Go Wild Summer Festival which promoted the concept of biodiversity and introduced today's generation to traditional horticultural methods and also to traditional uses of plants such as hops for beer and the natural remedies featured in the Field Hospital.

Why are there expeditions to overseas countries?

Plant collecting has been a major feature of Kew's work from its earliest days. These days it plays an important part in Kew's conservation work, as well as assisting in the study of biodiversity. Permission has to be sought from the authorities of the country visited. In the Japanese collecting work featured in the BBC series Kew was delighted to work with Niigata University and Niigata Botanic Garden.

How many species can be found in the Bamboo Garden?

The Bamboo Garden represents the most comprehensive and long-established collection of bamboos that is open to the public. For more information about the Bamboo Garden see www.kew.org/places/
kew/bamboogarden.html

What was the Japanese saying mentioned in the BBC programme?

"Into every life a little rain must fall"

In the series there are people on bikes. Can I ride mine?

Only members of staff who have been given a bicycle permit can ride a bicycle within the Gardens. Members of the public may not due to the risk of damaging the collection.

How do students gain a placement with the Tree Gang?

Students on both the Horticultural Diploma and Rotational Training Scheme have the opportunity of working with the Arboricultural team. Find out more about the Diploma at www.kew.org/education/kewdip.html and the Rotational Training Scheme at www.kew.org/aboutus/jobs/rts.html

What is the Kew Medal?

The Kew Medal was established in 1980 to reward those whose achievements at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew are considered of outstanding merit or are deserving special mention. Awards have also been made to volunteers. Any member of staff may nominate recipients.

How many staff have worked at Kew for 21 years or more?

53, with 4 working for 35 years or more (figures correct at October 2004)