What is there to see in Autumn?

From October, trees at Kew and Wakehurst Place gradually change colour. Many feel that this is the best time of year to visit the two Gardens. In addition, you can enjoy 'Fruit Fest at Kew' featuring apples and pumpkins.

What is the Pagoda?

Described in the BBC Series as the ultimate Garden accessory, the Pagoda was actually completed for Princess Augusta, the mother of George III. It was designed by William Chambers and is about 50m tall and 10 storeys high. It is not open to the public for health and safety reasons. Find out more at www.kew.org/places/kew/pagoda.html

What is the Japanese Gateway and Landscape?

The Japanese Gateway Chokushi-Mon (Gateway of the Imperial Messenger) is a four-fifths actual size replica of the Karamon of Nishi Hongan-ji in Kyoto. It was created for the Japan-British Exhibition held in London in 1910, and after the exhibition closed, it was dismantled and reconstructed in the Gardens. The Landscape around it has been designed to give an impression of some of the many different aspects of Japanese gardens. Find out more at www.kew.org/places
/ kew/japanesegateway.html

Why is plant collecting so important?

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.

What happens to the seeds collected?

Seeds are used to grow new plants at Kew and some are stored for future generations. Every seed collected is important.

Why is seed cleaning so important?

Kew has permission to collect seeds for conservation work. They must be cleaned and recorded as soon as possible to ensure that they do not deteriorate and can be germinated immediately or stored for future generations. Find out more at www.kew.org/msbp/curation

Are there examples of the Clerodendrum collected by Ray and Roger at Kew?

The Clerodendrum trichotomum f. white-ibis was successfully brought back from Japan and we are now growing it behind the scenes at Kew.

What is displayed in the Princess of Wales Conservatory?

The Princess of Wales Conservatory has 10 micro-climates and is home to a wide range of plants from orchids, to cactii and carnivorous plants. Every February, it hosts Kew's world famous orchid festival.

Is the branch a success in the Princess of Wales Conservatory?

Many of the orchids are displayed in a natural as possible setting in the Princess of Wales Conservatory with the environment mirroring their natural habitat. The branch gives us the opportunity of displaying orchids in a way that enhances their beauty.

Do you need second hand tights for tying on the orchids?

We are very grateful to a manufacturer who now supplies us with seconds

Why is it so important to propagate the Lady Slipper Orchid?

The Lady Slipper Orchid is one of the most endangered plants in the UK. Conservation work is a major part of Kew's remit.

What is micropropagation?

Kew's Micropropagation Unit opened in 1974 and was given the remit of attempting to propagate those plants which are rare or endangered or which are difficult or impossible to propagate using conventional methods. The work includes micropropagation from vegetative material and the in vitro germination of seeds and spores. Find out more at www.kew.org/scihort
/micropropagation.html

Is the Quercus caestaneifolia really the biggest tree in Kew?

One specimen of Quercus castaneifolia is over 30m tall and has a 30m spread. It is one of our heritage trees and was planted in 1846. Find out more at www.kew.org/heritage
/plants/chestnutoak.html

Where is Quercus caestaneifolia?

The Quercus castaneifolia is behind the Waterlily House and is grid reference L6 on the map given to visitors on arrival.

What is decompaction and why do you get rid of the grass under the trees?

The soil under many of Kew's trees has been trodden down over the years making it difficult for the roots to obtain nutrients and moisture. Decompacting the soil allows it to be aerated. Grass under the trees absorbs moisture. Find out more at www.kew.org/plants
/trees/decompaction.html

Why is composting so important for Kew?

Kew's soil is hungry, sandy, droughty, thin sand on Thames Gravel and doesn't hold any moisture or nutrients. Compost is produced from horse-manure and garden waste. It is turned everyday and the temperatures reached means that it is broken down in 6-9 weeks to provide us with mulch or compost. The compost produced is vital and the Kew compost heap produces enough for us to be self-sufficient - www.kew.org/places
/kew/compostheap.html

Are you concerned that the cables attached to the branches might damage the trees?

The cables help spread the weight of the limbs. The nature of the ties used allows them to expand as the trees grow.

How do I become a tree surgeon?

The Arboricultural Association is the Trade Body for tree surgeons and can provide training details: www.trees.org.uk; tel 01794 368978

Can I climb trees at Kew?

No tree climbing is permitted other than by our trained staff. This is because of the risk to yourself and to the tree. Visitors were able to enjoy the special Treetop Walkway but this is now closed and has now been dismantled..

Can I visit the Lower Nursery?

The Lower Nursery is generally not open to the public. There are occasionally behind the scenes tours when staff and guides welcome visitors to see their important work supporting Kew's Living Collections.

What measures does Kew take to ensure the safety of its visitors from falling branches?

Health and Safety is always a priority. Trees are regularly examined. We close off areas of the Gardens if we think they are unsafe. Remedial action is taken immediately.

Can I gain access to the library or archive?

Members of the public can only visit the library or archives if they have a valid research need and make a prior appointment.

Is it possible for my ashes to be scattered at Kew?

Many people have had their ashes scattered at Kew because the Gardens have played an important part in their lives. Arrangements must be made with our Constabulary.

I would like to have something named for someone at Kew.

There are a number of different ways you can commemorate someone at Kew. For more information visit www.kew.org/friends/commem.html