members’ news

Sponsor a flower display

Sponsoring a bulb display is a special way to remember a loved one or celebrate an anniversary or special event. Various plantings are available for sponsorship, including the vibrant spring daffodils along Kew’s Broad Walk, drifts of blue camassias (pictured) along the Riverside Walk in early summer, and Wakehurst’s snake’s-head fritillaries and autumn cyclamen.

Your dedication will be recorded in a commemorative register that can be viewed on touchscreens in the Secluded Garden Glasshouse at Kew and the Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst Place. You will also receive a personalised certificate.

Bulb plantings can be sponsored for £250 and funds raised are used for plantings and garden maintenance. For further details, go to www.kew.org/commemorative or call Nitasha Kul on 020 8332 3243.

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Become a Kew Patron

Do you want to become more involved with Kew and make a real difference? Then consider becoming a Patron. This is a unique and special way to support Kew’s work, from maintaining the beautiful Gardens to funding crucial plant conservation and scientific work. Patrons engage closely with Kew’s activities and have the chance to meet experts and enjoy special events.

Patrons receive all the benefits of Premier Friend membership, as well as a range of opportunities including an exclusive programme of events. Whatever your interests, there are events to suit you. This year’s programme includes a sunset tour of the Pagoda (pictured), a dinner with Kew’s director, Stephen Hopper, a drinks reception with the curator of the Gardens, Nigel Taylor, an annual garden party and behind-the-scenes tours.

Patron membership starts at £1,000 per annum and can be paid in monthly instalments. Call Helen Mackenzie-Carmichael on 020 8332 3238, email patrons@kew.org or visit www.kew.org/patrons.

www.kew.org/membersevents

New handbook out now The new Membership Handbook is now available. New members will receive it in their welcome pack, but if any current members would like a copy, call 020 8332 3200 or email friends@kew.org. The handbook can also be downloaded from the Kew website – go to www.kew.org/membership.

Enjoy summer evenings at Kew

Remember to make a note of the Garden Open Evenings for members this summer. These evenings give you exclusive out-of-hours access to the Gardens, allowing you to take in the sights and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the collections.

Savour the peace and beauty of Kew after hours during five members’ Open Evenings

Why not bring the whole family using your Premier Friend day passes and relax with a picnic in the evening sunshine? The Kew Explorer will also be running free of charge on these evenings. So circle the dates on your calendar now – every Thursday from 29 July to 26 August. For more details, see page 60 or go to www.kew.org/membersevents nearer the time.

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