Summer 2010

contents

Page 22

Page 34

features

16Saving a world of diversity Carolyn Fry finds out why Kew’s work to conserve biodiversity, both in the UK and around the world, is so important

22Prepare to be dazzled David Shipp reveals how a vibrant desert flowering inspired this year’s Palm House Parterre

30Ashow of perfection Some of the best images from the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition, currently at Kew

34What’s buzzing? Iain Parkinson reports on vital research under way at Wakehurst to halt the decline in honeybees

46Noble splendour Richard Wilford focuses on a popular bedding pelargonium with eminent connections

38Down in the woods today... To help native flora and fauna, Kew’s Natural Areas get special treatment, explains Tony Hall

44Distance no object Stephanie Pain tracks down botanist Daniela Zappi, whose work takes her from Kew’s Herbarium to Brazil’s savannas

48It’schild’s play Ambra Edwards highlights the many ways Kew is encouraging children to engage with nature

52Precious pollinators Look out for a host of amazing insects as they pollinate Kew’s flowers, says Sandra Bell

Page 52

Page 48

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Cover A high brown fritillary pollinating a scabious by Peter Entwistle/FLPA

regulars

5 Direction Kew’s director invites you to this summer’s programme of events celebrating biodiversity

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

12 Cuttings A round-up of plant science news by Stephanie Pain

54 Wakehurst view Andrew Jackson takes you into the woods in search of dormice

60 What’s on Lots to do this summer at Kew and Wakehurst Place

72 Last word Plants and biodiversity must be added to the science curriculum, argues Ginny Page

Page 46

editor’s letter

It won’t take you long to notice that this issue of Kew magazine is unashamedly a celebration of biodiversity and Kew’s work to help document, conserve and restore the amazing variety of plants on Earth.

Over the past five decades, our natural world has changed at a faster rate than at any other time in human history, as we use its resources for our needs in ever greater quantities. The statistics are pretty dismal and it’s easy to think that there’s nothing we can do to change this decline in precious habitats and species. However, we must also remember that there’s a wealth of organisations and individuals around the world dedicated to making a difference. Kew is one such organisation – full of people who know that by working with partners across the world and by making knowledge accessible to all we can conserve our irreplaceable plant diversity.

This issue aims to get to the heart of what biodiversity is (page 16) and how you can enjoy it and celebrate it at Kew and Wakehurst this year. The more we can appreciate the variety and wonder of the natural world, and know its value, the more we’ll want to protect it. We head into the wild areas at Kew and Wakehurst (pages 38 and 54) to see how biodiversity is cared for and encouraged. Iain Parkinson tells us about the new projects being set up at Wakehurst to study the honeybee – the most important pollinator on Earth (page 34), while Sandra Bell talks us through some of the many fascinating pollinators you can look out for at Kew this summer (page 52).

Horticulturist David Shipp reveals how a trip to a South African biodiversity hotspot inspired the vibrant design for the Palm House Parterre this summer (page 22), while Ambra Edwards discovers how Kew is helping children develop a life-long love of plants (page 48).

Plants are vital to life on Earth, but they’re also beautiful, fascinating and exciting. So join us in our celebrations this year – for further details, check out our new-look What’s On section (page 60), as well as the Kew website (www.kew.org).

CHRISTINA HARRISON Editor

Kew magazine 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.

KEW Summer 2010 l 3