When is the next plant auction?

Kew is not hosting a plant auction in 2006. We will consider it in future years,

Why did Kew sell plants at the auction?

Occasionally we generate small amounts of surplus plants but they are not sold in the shops. As part of our remit as a Botanic Garden, plants are used in our research or to assist the maintenance of the Gardens and can be provided to other institutions for a similar use. Some surplus plants are offered at the Plant Auction to raise funds for a nominated Kew project each year.

How much did plants usually cost?

It depends on how many people are interested in the same plant and bid against each other. However, the auction is a charity fund-raiser and so plants can fetch hundreds of pounds. Prices tend to be a lot higher than those in garden centres or commercial nurseries, but often this is because the plants are rare or exceptionally fine specimens.

Where is the Bamboo Garden?

Dug from a gravel pit, the bamboo garden can be found close to the Rhododendron Dell. It also includes the Japanese Minka House. Find out more at www.kew.org/places/
kew/bamboogarden.html

How does Kew prevent bamboos from spreading?

Phyllostachys and some other bamboos can be very invasive and the rhyzomes have been known to cause substantial damage. Kew's soil is very poor and subsequently our collection is less at risk than other areas with favourable conditions. Industrial strength polypropylene is used to line the sides of the areas in which each species of bamboo is planted. At Kew this is to a depth of about 50cm, but other conditions might need 1m and about 10cm above ground. This provides a physical barrier to the rhyzomes. Find out more about bamboos at www.kew.org/plants/bamboos

Where is Wakehurst Place?

Wakehurst Place, Kew's country garden, is in Ardingly, West Sussex. You can find out more about Wakehurst Place at www.kew.org/places/wakehurst

What is the Loder Valley Nature Reserve and can I gain access?

The Loder Valley Nature Reserve is an area adjacent to Wakehurst Place which comprises nearly 150 acres of woodland, wetland and meadowland. It is of great conservation importance, and access is limited to 50 people a day and by permit only. Find out more about visiting the Loder Valley Nature Reserve at www.kew.org/places/
wakehurst/zone_lodervalley.html

Why does Kew also have Wakehurst Place?

Kew has leased Wakehurst Place from the National Trust since 1965. The different environments and soils provide a far wider range of growing conditions than are found at Kew. Wakehurst Place is also a focus for conservation, not only with the natural areas but also in the Millennium Seed Bank.

What is coppicing?

Coppicing is an ancient practice involving cutting shrubs and trees to ground level and regularly harvesting the stems which which regrow from dormant buds in stumps and roots. It is used for conservation but it is not a panacea for all wildlife conservation and should be a part of a planned woodland management programme.

Why is charcoal-making environmentally sound?

Charcoal is an important fuel and currently over 95% of UK consumption is imported. Production of charcoal is a way of better managing woodland areas.

Where can I buy the charcoal?

Bar-B-Kew is sold only at Wakehurst Place, and is available until annual stocks run out.

Why is Kew building a new extension to the Laboratory?

The Jodrell Laboratory is a major centre for Kew's important scientific research. The Wolfson Wing is now complete and provides enhanced facilities for our scientists.

How do I find out about jobs at Kew?

Jobs are advertised in the press and on our website. We also employ students and training opportunities can also be found on our website. See www.kew.org/aboutus/jobs