What is the Young Horticulturist of the Year award?

The competition is organised by the Institute of Horticulture. Anyone under 30 is eligible to enter providing they are employed in production or amenity horticulture or studying for a qualification in horticulture. You can find out more from their website at www.horticulture.org.uk

Why is the Wollemi pine so remarkable?

The pine dates back to the Jurassic Period and was thought to be extinct. It was rediscovered in a canyon in the Blue Mountains, Australia, in 1994.

Why is commercialisation of the Wollemi crucial to its conservation?

Horticultural experts believe that having Wollemi pines in gardens, homes and parks everywhere is one of the best forms of insurance against loss in the wild. As royalties from Wollemi pine sales will fund ongoing conservation research, buying one will not only help to protect the species but will also safeguard its continued survival. More information from www.wollemipine.com

When are the Wollemi pines going on sale?

The Collectors Edition is being auctioned on 23 October 2005 in Sydney. A range of smaller trees will be on sale from April 2006.

What is Kew's involvement in the Wollemi pine?

The Wollemi will survive a range of temperatures from –5 °C and may even withstand colder climates. Kew Gardens and Wakehurst Place are two of the locations currently conducting hardiness trials in Europe.

Where can I see the Wollemi pine?

One of the Wollemis is planted on the Orangery Lawn at Kew, and another is in the Southern Hemisphere Garden at Wakehurst Place.

Why are the Wollemi pines in cages?

The Wollemis are very valuable and it is a condition of public display that they are in a cage or otherwise inaccessible to the public.

Did the Wollemis grow over Summer 2005?

Each of the Wollemis grew about 30 cm.

Why is research in Madagascar a priority?

A high proportion of Madagascar's plant species are unique to Madagascar and are found nowhere else in the world. Due to subsistence farming, much of Madagascar's natural habitat is disappearing, and with it the native plant life. See www.kew.org/places/world/madagascar.html

How can I support Kew's work in Madagascar?

Kew is very grateful for the support it gets for its conservation and research projects. You can help us by making a donation online.

Has Kew made one of the Madagascan plants commercially available?

Kew respects the Convention on Biodiversity which recognises the sovereign rights of states over their own biological resources and the authority of national governments to determine access to genetic resources. Consequently plants will not be made available without the agreement of the Madagascan authorities.

Can I have my soil tested?

Kew does not provide a service for soil to be tested.

When is the zip wire next going to be at Kew?

The zip wire is part of Kew's annual Woodland Wonders festival which takes part on the May Day Bank Holiday weekend in the Conservation Area by Queen Charlotte's Cottage. For more information on Woodland Wonders 2006 visit www.kew.org/events/woodlandwonders