Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
London - Richmond upon Thames, England
22.10.2021
The Königliche Botanische Gärten (Royal Botanic Gardens) in Kew, located in the picturesque borough of Richmond upon Thames in London, England, is a world-renowned botanical destination. Spanning over 300 acres, these gardens are home to one of the largest and most diverse collections of plants in the world, with over 50,000 different species.
Founded in 1759, the Königliche Botanische Gärten are not only a stunning display of natural beauty, but also a place of historic significance. The gardens were originally created as a "physic garden" for the study and cultivation of medicinal plants. Today, they continue to be a center for botanical research and conservation, with a mission to educate and inspire visitors about the importance of plant diversity and the role of plants in our daily lives.
Visitors to the Königliche Botanische Gärten can explore a variety of themed gardens, each with its own unique atmosphere and purpose. From the tranquil Japanese Garden to the vibrant Princess of Wales Conservatory, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss the iconic Palm House, a Victorian glasshouse that houses tropical plants from around the world, or the stunning Waterlily House, home to giant Amazonian waterlilies.
In addition to the gardens, the Königliche Botanische Gärten also boasts a variety of other attractions, including art galleries, historic buildings, and a treetop walkway offering a bird's eye view of the gardens. The gardens also host a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
The Königliche Botanische Gärten in Kew is more than just a beautiful place to visit – it is a hub of knowledge and conservation, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the wonders of the plant world. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of London, a visit to these gardens is sure to be a memorable experience.
This historic landscape garden features elements that illustrate significant periods of the art of gardens from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The gardens house botanic collections (conserved plants, living plants and documents) that have been considerably enriched through the centuries. Since their creation in 1759, the gardens have made a significant and uninterrupted contribution to the study of plant diversity and economic botany.
Kew Gardens is a botanic garden in southwest London that houses the "largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world". Founded in 1840, from the exotic garden at Kew Park, its living collections include some of the 27,000 taxa curated by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, while the herbarium, one of the largest in the world, has over 8.5 million preserved plant and fungal specimens. The library contains more than 750,000 volumes, and the illustrations collection contains more than 175,000 prints and drawings of plants. It is one of London's top tourist attractions and is a World Heritage Site.Kew Gardens, together with the botanic gardens at Wakehurst in Sussex, are managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, an internationally important botanical research and education institution that employs over 1,100 staff and is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.The Kew site, which has been dated as formally starting in 1759, although it can be traced back to the exotic garden at Kew Park, formed by Henry, Lord Capell of Tewkesbury, consists of 132 hectares (330 acres) of gardens and botanical glasshouses, four Grade I listed buildings, and 36 Grade II listed structures, all set in an internationally significant landscape. It is listed Grade I on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.Kew Gardens has its own police force, Kew Constabulary, which has been in operation since 1845.
