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Kew Gardens

Introduction

Kew Gardens is one of the world's oldest and most famous botanical gardens, located in London, England. Established in 1759 by King George III, Kew has been a major center for botany and horticulture ever since.

Key Facts

  • History: Kew was founded to commemorate Queen Caroline (the daughter of King George II) who had recently died.
  • Size: The garden covers an area of approximately 142 hectares.
  • Purpose: Primarily, it serves as a botanical research center and educational institution.
  • Location: Situated in Richmond upon Thames, south London.

Historical Context

Kew Gardens was established on the site of the former Chelsea Manor House. The current building was designed by landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown (1728–1802) who incorporated elements from earlier buildings and gardens. Kew has a rich history of botanical discovery and research, with notable figures contributing to its development.

Significant Contributions

  • Botanical Research: Kew Gardens is renowned for conducting extensive research in plant taxonomy, phytochemistry, and horticulture.
  • Cultivation: The garden cultivates over 30,000 plant species, representing more than half of the world's cultivated plants.
  • Conservation Efforts: Kew has made significant contributions to plant conservation through seed bank creation, genetic analysis, and species reintroduction.

Notable Attractions

Gardens and Collections

Kew Gardens is home to six glasshouses, including:

  • The Palm House: A tropical house with a collection of palms from around the world.
  • The Temperate House: A coolhouse housing over 10,000 plant species in temperate climates.
  • The Tropical House: A climate-controlled greenhouse for plants that can tolerate high temperatures.

Wildlife and Gardens

Kew has a large collection of wildlife, including birds, insects, and reptiles:

  • Birds: Over 300 species have been recorded at Kew gardens.
  • Insects: Many rare insect species are found in the gardens and surrounding areas.

Further Reading

  • "The Royal Horticultural Society's The History of Kew Gardens" by Dr. David Hodge
  • "Kew: A Biography" by Richard Mabey
  • "The Story of Kew Gardens" by Michael F.H. Worton

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