How did Kew gain World Heritage Status?

Kew was designated a World Heritage Site in 2003. Information on Kew's World Heritage site status can be foundat www.kew.org/heritage

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 was Kew originally two gardens?

The Richmond Estate was owned by George II and the Kew Estate by his son, Frederick Prince of Wales. With the death of Princess Augusta, Princess of Wales the estate was united by George III.

Is Kew Palace open to the public?

Kew Palace is the responsibility of Historic Royal Palaces and has been subject to a major conservation and restoration project. It is scheduled to re-open to the public in May 2006.

What is the Orangery used for today?

The Grade 1 listed Orangery is now a restaurant serving a wide range of food from main meals to sandwiches, teas, coffees and cakes. It is also available for corporate hire in the evenings.

Where is the Nash Conservatory?

The Nash Conservatory is near Main Gate. Presented to Kew Gardens by William IV, it has had many uses over the years. There are plans to use it as an exhibition space in 2006.

Which tree was presented to the Queen?

The Queen was presented with Aesculus indica ‘Sidney Pearce’ and you can see one of Kew's outside the Nash Conservatory. More information can be found at www.kew.org/plants/trees/indianchestnut.html

What is the relationship between the Queen and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew?

The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew was originally owned by the Royal Family. In 1841 Kew passed from direct Royal control to the government, although technically its owner is still HM Queen Elizabeth II.

What is CITES and Kew's role?

CITES is the acronym for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and was established for the purposes of monitoring trade in species which are threatened by commercial exploitation. Kew has been designated as the UK Scientic Authority for plants. Find out more.

Why is ramin protected?

There is concern that the tropical wood has been over-exploited particularly from orang-utan habitats and Tropical Reserves. Find out more.

Can I have wood identified?

The Applied Plant Anatomy Section at Kew has identified wood for a variety of people and organisations. There is a charge for the service and we do not identify tree roots. Find out more.

How does Kew look after its roses?

Kew has a seasonal programme including pruning and feeding. Find out more.

Can I have help with my roses?

Kew is not able to give horticultural advice. The Royal National Rose Society can provide assistance.

Where can I see roses at Kew?

Roses are in the formal beds behind the Palm House and on the Pergola at the Order Beds

What is Kew's policy on watering in draught conditions?

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has a dispensation from any hose pipe ban in order to allow the internationally important collections to be kept alive. We use this privilege sparingly and operate a socially responsible watering policy. This means that water goes to priority plants like heritage trees and not to lawns that can easily regenerate. All staff are asked to be watchful about water seepages, and to report any sprinklers that are pointing in the wrong direction. Kew is in process of installing new irrigation systems, including a new reservoir and ring main, but this will not be completed for two or three years.

Why does Kew have wild flowers?

It is very important to include wild-flowers to assist biodiversity as fewer wild-flowers are found in crops. Find out more.

How was the wild flower area in the Temperate House created?

In Autumn 2003, 30,000 Scilla were planted beneath the cherry trees leading up to the Temperate House. This disturbed the soil and after the bulbs had bloomed, the wild-flower meadow emerged and we have left it to self-seed.