Are you having a pumpkin display in 2005 ?

2005 sees Gardens of Glass: Chihuly at Kew, the UK's first major garden installation by renowned American artist Dale Chihuly. We will not be having a pumpkin display. There will still be lots to do at Kew.

Have you used the conical display unit again?

We used it again in 2004 , and we thought it looked even better. Once again it took a long time to prepare! See a picture of the display at www.kew.org/events/autumn2004/

How should you harvest pumpkins?

Carefully! Make sure that you do not cut the pumpkin too close to the stem and do not damage the skins otherwise the fruit will rot earlier.

Who is the supplier featured in the BBC series?

Mr Upton is a specialist pumpkin grower and supplies many of the supermarkets, as well as Kew.

Where are pumpkins grown at Kew?

Pumpkins are grown at Kew behind the scenes. The only vegetables that are grown that are on display are in the student vegetable plots near the Order Beds. However in 2004, the Summer Bedding by the Palm House had a Cottage theme and it included beans and tomatoes. You can find out more about the Student Vegetable Plots at www.kew.org/places/
kew/vegetableplots.html

How many varieties of pumpkins did you have on display?

In 2004, there were about 60. We also had an apple display in White Peaks.

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 is an endemic plant?

An endemic plant is one which is only found in one place. The Sasa sadoensis is named after the island on which it grows, Sado-ga-Shima

Why was exporting the Sasa sadoensis a first?

This was the first time that a live plant of Sasa sadoensis has been exported from Japan. It is now growing behind the scenes at Kew.

The Clerodendron obtained in Japan has now been described. What does this mean?

The plant has been named Clerodendrum trichotomum f. white-ibis. In order for the name to be accepted, a paper has to be published in a recognised botanical journal with the name and distinguishing features. The name can then be used around the world.

Is the Clerodendron growing 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 are the regulations that govern plant and seed collecting?

Kew's seed collecting is carried out according to international endangered species and plant health regulations and and in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity, in agreement with our global partners. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was established with the aim of controlling and monitoring the international trade in plants and animals considered to be threatened, or likely to become threatened, and affected by such trade. Generally, CITES does not prohibit the international trade in listed species, but seeks to prevent the unsustainable exploitation of wild populations of plants and animals via a permit system. Plants and seeds also have to be inspected to meet the plant health regulations before they can be exported. See www.kew.org/conservation and www.kew.org/msbp/msbfaq

What was the certificate that took 7 hours to obtain?

A phytosanitary certificate has to be issued for the material Kew collected. Under the Plant Health regulations, live plants and seeds have to be inspected and certified free of pests and diseases before they are allowed to be exported. If you bring plants, cuttings, bulbs and some types of seeds back with you from outside the EU and they do not have a phytosanitary certificate then Her Majesty's Customs and Excise can confiscate and destroy them to protect the UK agriculture, horticulture, and forestry industries and our environment. Kew is not able to give advice on importing or exporting plants and seeds.

Kew cannot give advice. You should contact the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate of Defra (the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) - www.defra.gov.uk/planth/ph.htm

How can I train as a botanical artist?

There will be two courses run at Kew next year. One will be for a fortnight in June/July and the other will be in September. Full details can be at www.kew.org/education/courses

The Society of Botanical Artists has a list of courses being run by its members. Courses, including a Diploma Course, are held by the English Gardening School

Who was Margaret Mee?

Margaret Mee was an explorer and botanical artist who spent years exploring and drawing plants in the wild. Find out more at www.kew.org/heritage/people/mee.html

Where can I see botanical art at Kew?

There is a permanent display of Marianne North's work in the Marianne North Gallery. Temporary exhibitions are held in the Kew Gardens Gallery (limited opening times). A wide range of exhibitions linked to Kew's seasonal festivals can be seen at White Peaks. We also have an online exhibition of the stunning orchid illustrations from the John Day Scrapbooks.

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.

What is the plant painted by Margaret Mee that features in the programme?

The plant is Selenicereus wittii, the 'Moonflower'

What is the plant painted by Carol?

Carol's berries are Viburnum parvifolium

Can I view the botanical art exhibition?

The student exhibition is by invitation only.

What is Curtis's Botanical Magazine?

Founded in 1787, Curtis's Botanical Magazine is the longest running botanical periodical featuring colour illustrations of plants. It is published four times a year and each issue contains six plant portraits reproduced from watercolour originals by the world's leading botanical artists. "The Bot.Mag." as it is often referred also features articles of interest to botanists, horticulturists and people with a special interest in botanical illustration. Find out more at www.kew.org/publications
/curtisbotmag.html

Where can I find information on the Kew Diploma?

See our School of Horticulture web pages

What short courses does Kew run?

See our Education web pages

What work do Kew Diploma Students do?

This is a 3 year course combining working in the Gardens with formal training. See our School of Horticulture web pages

One of the examinations is bamboo identification. How difficult is it?

You can view images of bamboo on our website at www.kew.org/plants/bamboos/. Can you spot the differences?

What jobs do students get after graduating from Kew?

Some graduates remain at Kew. Former graduates occupy high-ranking positions in botanic gardens, local authority parks and recreation departments, the National Trust, private gardens, educational establishments, commercial nurseries, and landscape design and contractor firms. A number are self-employed specialists and consultants. Alan Titchmarsh is one of Kew's Graduates. You can find out more about some of our former graduates at www.kew.org/education/diploma

Why do you use latin names for plants?

Botanical Latin is used by botanists from all over the world for naming and describing plants. As it is a dead language, the meaning of words do not change and botanical latin is very descriptive. For more information about plant classification see www.kew.org/plants/classification.html