Summer 2009

contents

Page 40

Page 61

features

16 A passion for plants Gail Vines meets Stewart Henchie, the man in charge ofKew’s 250th anniversary horticultural displays

18 The green-fingered brigade Who keeps the Gardens in such tip-top condition and how do they do it? Emma Townshend finds out

Page 24

24 A threatened paradise Colin Clubbe, Martin Hamilton and Marcella Corcoran reveal Kew’s vital conservation work on the Turks and Caicos Islands

32 Making a splash Enjoy a host of stunning images from the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition, on show at Kew

34 The magic ofmeadows Iain Parkinson takes you through Wakehurst’s ancient hay meadow, a safe haven for numerous grassland wildflowers

40 The flowering ofa glorious obsession AndreaWulftells the story ofKew’sSir Joseph Banks and his long-lasting influence on our gardening culture

46 Rhyme and reason To celebrate Kew’s 250th year, two winning poets explore different aspects of the Gardens

48 A rosy future Richard Wilford looks at Kew’s rose collection, from the sumptuous pergola to the revitalised Rose Garden

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Cover A Splash ofSpring Colour, by Jacky Parker, featuring Anemone coronaria

regulars

5 A landscape of opportunity The director outlines why a master plan is being drawn up for the Kew landscape

6 Kew news The latest from all Kew’s gardens, including Friends’ news

12 Cuttings Around-up of plant science news

53 Success with roses Expert gardening advice

55 Flutterings from the nature reserve Keeping tabs on butterflies

57 Turning up the heat A red-hot poker that’s burning bright at Kew

59 What’s up, honey? The plight ofhoneybees

61 Events Lots to do this summer at Kew and Wakehurst Place

Page 18

editor’s letter

For me, the word meadow conjures up a beautiful image ofidyllic countryside, which I’d love to think still exists all over Britain. Sadly, these precious habitats are under threat, and those that remain are a sanctuary for some of our rarest, and most beautiful, wildflowers. At Wakehurst Place, Hanging Meadow is being rejuvenated thanks to the careful work ofKew staff – and a flock ofSouthdown sheep.

You can read about the team’s work on the meadow on page 34, and why not also visit the new exhibition about meadow conservation at Wakehurst this summer? I know I’ll be heading down there as soon as I can. We also have a new regular page from Wakehurst to give you an inside view ofKew’s country garden (see page 55). Both of these are great reminders that Kew’s conservation work includes bringing local plants and habitats back to life, as well as saving those around the globe.

The month ofJune brings the first flush of summer flowers to my small garden, but at Kew this happens on a grand scale. This year there are plenty of new displays, one of which will open your eyes to the huge diversity of plants and countries that Kew works with. Find out more on pages 16 and 18, as we go behind the scenes with the horticulture teams and their manager Stewart Henchie. Meanwhile, on page 40, you can discover how some of our favourite garden plants came to Britain in the first place.

I’m really looking forward to the opening of the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition, which runs throughout the summer at Kew. Turn to page 32 now for a preview ofsome of the best images, then come to Kew to see all the finalistson show.Check Kew’s website (www.kew.org) and see Eventson page 61 to make the most of your visits.

CHRISTINA HARRISON Editor

Kewmagazine is published by the Royal Botanic Gardens,Kew, which works around the world to save plants, fungi and their habitats. With your support,Kew can make a real difference.

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