Enjoy July at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst
- Horticultural highlights include the Great Broad Walk Borders and Evolution Garden at Kew, as well as the magnificent Victoria boliviana, the biggest waterlily in the world
- At Wakehurst, highlights in the gardens include the Walled Garden and Iris Dell
- Rooted at Wakehurst celebrates the incredible world of trees with eight large-scale outdoor installations taking over the gardens
- Kew the Music returns, along with Theatre on Kew
- Wakehurst Summer Nights sees the gardens come alive after hours with live music, performances, open-fire cooking and botanical cocktails
- Short courses include gardening for beginners, forest bathing, willow weaving and charcoal making at Wakehurst
Kew Gardens
Horticultural Highlights
Horticultural highlights on display at Kew Gardens across the month include the Great Broad Walk Borders, recently extended to incorporate new, drought tolerant planting. Both the Evolution and Rose Gardens are now in full bloom, with colourful displays looking better than ever. Visitors can also marvel at the incredible displays in the Waterlily House, featuring Victoria boliviana, recognised in 2022 as the largest waterlily in the world.
The Wander Project: Now Open for Summer 2023
This summer, Kew Gardens invites visitors to embark on The Wander Project, a unique series of trails encouraging people to explore the great outdoors and enjoy spending time in nature against the stunning backdrop of Kew’s 320-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether visitors see themselves as Adventurers, Wanderers, Protectors, Dreamers or Time Travellers, explorers are guided through their walks by a mix of inspiring leaders including Ben Okri, Clara Amfo, Clover Hogan, Dara McAnulty, Ella Saltmarshe, Ellie Goulding, Fearne Cotton, James Miller, Judy Ling Wong, Kate Raworth, Love Ssega, Mya-Rose Craig, Sam Lee, SERAFINE1369, Shiraz Bayoo and Tori Tsui.
All the Flowers are for Me and Plants of the Qur’ān | Entry included in admission
Now open in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, brand-new art exhibitions All the Flowers are for Me and Plants of the Qur’ān. Acclaimed artists Anila Quayyum Agha and Sue Wickison present new works exploring themes of faith and cultural exchanges and this tandem exhibition showcases stunning contemporary sculptural work alongside intricate botanical paintings. Gallery Six is also showcasing The Wonderful World of Water Plants, featuring an array of works from the Shirley Sherwood Collection.
Wellbeing at Kew
Kew’s popular wellbeing events return this month, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing within the inspiring surroundings of Kew Gardens’ 320-acre UNESCO World Heritage site. All tickets include entry to Kew Gardens and a 20% discount in our restaurants.
Tai chi | 14, 21 and 28 July | 9am – 10am | Queen Charlotte’s Cottage
Boost your physical and mental wellbeing with the centuries-old Chinese martial art, Tai chi, amidst the tranquil surroundings of Queen Charlotte’s Cottage.
Forest bathing | 5, 15, 22 and 29 July | 10.30am- 1.30pm | Arboretum
Inspired by the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a sensory woodland walk alongside an expert guide, who will lead participants as they disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. Organised in partnership with the Forest Bathing Institute.
Temperate House Yoga | 18 and 25 July | 7.45am- 9am | Temperate House
These one-hour vinyasa flow sessions are held in the spectacular Temperate House. Enjoy pre-opening classes in the midst of 10,000 rare and endangered plants, led by Anil Jangi, Kew’s own yoga instructor.
Summer Cycle | 27 July | 5pm – 9pm | Around the gardens
Join us this year to celebrate the summer with an even bigger and more exciting evening bike ride at Kew Gardens. Get ready to be dazzled by the range of entertainers we have in store, with everything from unicycles to Tree Tours! Enjoy live music in scenic spots in the Gardens, and experience the beauty of summer at Kew on two wheels.
Kew the Music 2023
This July, Kew the Music is back with a series of open-air concerts featuring an array of headline acts. Enjoy iconic names in spectacular surroundings as you soak up the special ambience of Kew Gardens on a summer evening.
11 July - Bastille | 12 July - The Vamps | 13 July - Jack Savoretti | 14 July - The Human League | 15 July - Haçienda Classiçal | 16 July – Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blue Orchestra
Kew Publishing Book of the Month | Plants of the Qur’ān: History & Culture by Dr Shahina A. Ghazanfar, illustrated by Sue Wickison
Plants of the Qur’ān is the first book to explore and highlight the history of the plants mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān, many of which are part of our everyday life, from pomegranates and grapes to ginger and garlic. Dr Shahina Ghazanfar’s in-depth research for this book has led to new findings in our knowledge of the historical and cultural significance of these plants, as well as detailed exploration of the context in which they are mentioned in the Qur’ān. Each of these plants are beautifully illustrated with unique botanical paintings by artist Sue Wickison. Exclusively available via the Kew Shop until Autumn 2023.
Short Courses
Why not sign up for a crafty new short course at Kew Gardens? Led by a selection of experts, these one-day courses and workshops offer unique opportunities to develop fresh skills within the stunning surroundings of Kew’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gardening for beginners | 7 July | 10.30am – 4pm | Lady Lisa Sainsbury Lecture Theatre
This one-day gardening course is aimed at keen amateurs who wish to improve their knowledge of growing and maintaining plants in their garden. Pick up hints and tips on selecting plants, and how and when to plant trees, shrubs and herbaceous species.
Stich in bloom: Botanical embellishment workshop | 23 – 25 July | 10.30am – 4pm | Botanical Brasserie Restaurant Courtyard
In this three-day course, you will discover alternative ways of using traditional embroidery stitches to create large-scale botanical embroidery combined with three-dimensional flowers. Textile artist Lora Avedian will guide you through how to translate your drawings into stitched lines and you'll have the unique opportunity to draw from our archive and Gardens.
Theatre on Kew
This summer, Sixteenfeet Productions bring their unique style of site-specific theatre to Kew Gardens with a charming production of Alice in Wonderland, adapted by Bradley Cole, with music by Guy Holden.
Alice in Wonderland | 22 July at 2pm, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 July at 11am and 2pm | Berberis Dell | Day entry to Kew Gardens included with ticket
Journey down the rabbit hole and enter a fantastical world inhabited by curiouser and curiouser characters. Join Alice as she searches for a way home meeting the disappearing Cheshire Cat, the beautifully dressed Mad Hatter, and the bad-tempered Queen of Hearts who is busy painting the roses red.
Wakehurst
Events
Rooted on sale now | Friday 7 July – Sunday 17 September | 10am – 6pm | Free with entry
This summer, experience a range of striking art installations inspired by trees. Uncover the phenomenal power of woodland wonders as you walk through the gardens. The next Nature Heroes badge will also be up for grabs, as children can take part in the Tree Champion mission.
Summer Nights | 13 to 15 and 20 to 22 July 2023 | Entry at 6.30pm, 6.45pm and 7pm | £16.50 or £12 for Wakehurst and Kew members
Soak up the golden glow of summer evenings at Wakehurst. Sip on botanical cocktails from bower + hawthorne, enjoy the rich flavours of wood-fired food from The Herb Kitchen and enjoy a soft scoop ice cream as the gardens come alive after hours with live music and mesmerising performances. From aerial performers high in the tree canopies, to dancers drifting through the grounds, Summer Nights is a delight for all the senses.
Planet Wakehurst | All day | Free with entry
Experience the UK’s largest outdoor art installation, as the impressive Planet Wakehurst photomontage wraps the Mansion, which is undergoing restoration. The 1500m2 canvas, showcases the wealth of biodiversity at Wakehurst and will be up for all to enjoy.
The Wakehurst Willow Run 8k | 19 July | 6pm for 7:15pm start | £20 or £18 for Wakehurst and Kew members
Enjoy the gardens at a faster pace with our evening run at Wakehurst. All participants will receive a number and medal on completion as well as water and fruit. Runners can bring along spectators for support and four 12-month Wakehurst memberships are up for grabs as prizes. Delivered in collaboration with the Haywards Heath Harriers.
Horticultural Highlights
At Wakehurst, the Iris Dell is springing into life with vibrant purple hues transforming the peaceful oasis at the heart of the Water Gardens. A wonderful expression of the English Country Garden style can be found in the Walled Garden, Wakehurst’s most intimate space full of soft, subtle colours.
Wakehurst Workshops
Forest Bathing | Saturday 1 July | 10am – 1pm or 2pm – 5pm | £22.50 or £20 for Wakehurst and Kew members
Based on the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing allows you to slow down in a forest environment. Swedish teacher Helena Skoog will show you how to use all your senses to connect with your surroundings, drawing on the power of nature to relieve tension, relax and nourish your sense of wellbeing.
Willow Weaving | Friday 7 July | 10.30am - 4.30pm | £89 or £80 for Wakehurst and Kew members
Discover the secrets of the traditional art of willow weaving and create your own willow structure.
Choose one of our workshops to weave a special creation from willow coppiced on site at Wakehurst.
Woodland day with charcoal making | Saturday 8 July | 10am – 4pm | £70 or £63 for Wakehurst and Kew members
This full-day workshop in the heart of our woodland will provide you with the skills to understand timber selection and fire lighting, and all the knowledge you need to run your own kiln.
Yoga morning | Friday 14 July and Friday 21 July | 10am – 11am | £25 or £22.50 for Wakehurst and Kew members
Enjoy an hour of yoga in the tranquil landscape of our wild botanic garden. Suitable for all levels, the session will be led by yoga instructor, Olive, who trained in India and teaches across Sussex.
Exhibitions
Surviving or Thriving: An exhibition on plants and us | Daily, 10am – 3.30pm | Millennium Seed Bank | Included with entry
This exhibition brings Kew’s State of the World’s Plants reports to life, telling the story of why some plants are only surviving, while others are thriving. Through film, audio, models, and a futuristic garden, explore
the challenges that plants face and discover the vital role of fungi too.
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ENDS
Notes to Editors
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections and scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation, and sustainable development in the UK and around the globe. Kew’s scientists and partners lead the way in the fight against biodiversity loss and finding nature-based solutions to the climate crisis, aided by five key scientific priorities outlined in Kew’s Science Strategy 2021-2025. Kew Gardens is also a major international and top London visitor attraction. Kew’s 132 hectares of historic, landscaped gardens, and Wakehurst, Kew’s Wild Botanic Garden and ‘living laboratory’, attract over 2.5 million visits every year. Kew Gardens was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003 and celebrated its 260th anniversary in 2019. Wakehurst is home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world and a safeguard against the disastrous effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. RBG Kew received approximately one third of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Further funding needs to support RBG Kew’s vital scientific and educational work comes from donors, memberships and commercial activity including ticket sales. For tickets, please visit www.kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/tickets. In the first six months since implementing a new accessibility scheme for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Legacy Benefits, Kew has welcomed over 20,000 visitors with £1 tickets.
About Wakehurst
Please note that Wakehurst is referred to just as Wakehurst, not Wakehurst Place. It is not a National Trust property.
Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex is home to the Millennium Seed Bank and over 500 acres of the world’s plants including temperate woodlands, ornamental gardens and a nature reserve. It is situated in the High Weald of Sussex, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and focuses on wild plant collections. The Millennium Seed Bank houses and protects seed from the world’s most substantial and diverse collection of threatened and useful wild plants, making it the most biodiverse place on earth.
RBG Kew receives just under half of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Further funding needed to support Kew’s vital work comes from donors, membership and commercial activity including ticket sales.
In March 2021, RBG Kew launched its 10-year strategy Our Manifesto for Change 2021. The institution’s ultimate goal is step up to help to end the extinction crisis and contribute to creating a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. In the wake of a global pandemic, and with the future of the planet in peril, the strategy represents a public commitment by RBG Kew to do everything in its power to reverse the environmental devastation of biodiversity loss and climate change. The five key priorities are 1) Delivering science-based knowledge and solutions to protect biodiversity and use natural resources sustainably 2) Inspiring people to protect the natural world 3) Training the next generation of experts: 4) Extending our reach 5) Influencing national and international opinion and policy.
On May 25 2021 RBG Kew launched its new Sustainability Strategy – committing to become Climate Positive by 2030 and marking a step-change in our urgent action to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis.