Woodland Garden and Temple of Aeolus

Wander beneath a deciduous canopy of mature oaks, limes and birches, just a short stroll from the Palm House pond.

Designed to recall the habitats of temperate mountains, the Woodland Garden comes to life in March and April when the beauty of mountain plants springs into view.

In rhythm with the seasons, the canopy provides shade for an under-layer of maples (such as the coral bark maple (Acer palmatum) 'Sango-kuku') and rhododendrons (for example, Rhododendron 'Bulstrode Park').

Bluebells in the Woodland Garden at RBG Kew — Bluebells in the Woodland Garden, RBG Kew

Blossom in the Woodland Garden © RBG Kew

Princess of Wales Conservatory seen from Woodland Garden

Giant white fawn lily in the Woodland Garden

The Temple of Aeolus viewed from across the Woodland Garden — Temple of Aeolus, RBG Kew

In turn, these protect low-growing shrubs such as hostas (including Hosta longissima), bellflowers (Campanula latifolia), hellebores, primulas, North American trilliums and Himalayan blue poppies.

At the crest of an artificial mound deeper in the Woodland Garden, you’ll find the Grade II-listed Temple of Aeolus. Designed by Sir William Chambers, it was first built in the 1760s to Aeolus, the ruler of the winds in Greek mythology. The current version was rebuilt in stone in 1845 by Decimus Burton and offers views northwest across the surrounding woodland – a quiet spot for reflection.