Autumn 2011

contents

Page 50

Page 42

features

18Aforay into Kew’s fungi Martyn Ainsworth reveals some of the amazing fungi growing in the Gardens

24Amushrooming interest Where can a fascination with fungi lead? Gail Vines talks to Kew’s leading mycologist

26Onthe road to recovery Discover how Kew is helping to save Madagascar’s many unique and threatened plants

32Allabout Eve Who was Eve Price, and why was a viburnum named after her? Richard Wilford finds out

34Weare the champions Tony Kirkham describes his favourites among Kew’s many impressive champion trees

42How to make a meadow Why are UK wildflower seeds being produced in Wakehurst’s nursery? Carolyn Fry explains

50Paradise lost? See endangered plants in all their glory in a stunning art exhibition at Kew – Catherine Owen shows you highlights

54Southern softies? Can Wakehurst’s treasured southern hemisphere plants survive severe winters? Andrew Jackson reports

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Cover Fly agaric fungi by Michel Poinsignon/naturepl regulars

5 Direction Kew’s director looks at the importance of conserving trees

6 Autumn at Kew Highlights of the season around the Gardens

8 Kew news The latest from all Kew’s gardens, including members’ news

14 Cuttings A round-up of plant science news by Stephanie Pain 60 What’s on Lots to do this autumn at Kew and Wakehurst Place

72 Last word Owen Johnson on why we must map and measure Britain’s major trees

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editor’s letter Autumn is a glorious time of year at Kew and Wakehurst. Hundreds of different trees and shrubs come into their own, their foliage turning shades of scarlet, copper and gold, and many also bedecked with jewel-like berries. It’s a real feast for the eyes and a photographer’s delight.

In this issue, we revel in some of the best sights of autumn. Come with us on a fungal foray around Kew (p18) and discover some of the unusual, intriguing and wonderful fungi growing in the grasslands, woodlands and flowerbeds. Meanwhile, Tony Kirkham, head of Kew’s Arboretum, takes us on a tour of his favourite champion trees in their full autumn finery (p34), and Owen Johnson, from the Tree Register, explains just what it takes to be named a champion (p72).

Kew’s collections of living plants are in many cases unrivalled, and caring for them is a huge responsibility. Hand in hand with this is Kew’s conservation work at home and abroad. In this issue, we take a look at two vital projects. We go behind the scenes at the UK Native Seed Hub based at the Millennium Seed Bank (p42). This innovative new project will work countrywide to offer our disappearing wildflowers a lifeline. We also head to Madagascar to meet the team working to conserve and protect native species, as well as create livelihoods for local people (p26). You may not realise that Kew has a permanent base in Madagascar, with a long-term commitment to conservation, training, species discovery and working with communities and other international organisations. We thought it high time you met the team.

All of Kew’s work is in need of your support, and you can do this in many ways, from coming along to events (see p60), buying a Kew publication or even just a coffee, to getting involved with the Kew Fund. Your continued support is much appreciated – find out more on p12.

CHRISTINA HARRISON Editor

Read the magazine blog at www.kew.org/kew-magazine-blog

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