ContentsSummer2012

Features

KEW SCIENCE 30 Seeing the wood for the trees Find out how Kew’s innovative maps of a threatened rainforest are aiding conservation efforts

56 Wistful thinking Why things are looking up for the wire wist plant, thanks to Kew’s new quarantine house

BEHIND THE SCENES 36 Serving up Kew’s royal kitchens Step back in time to 1789, into the amazingly well-preserved kitchens of Kew’s royal household

IN THE GARDENS 42 Dredging up the past Dip into the history of Wakehurst’s lake and how recent restoration work is giving it new life

54 Magic wands Discover more about penstemons and see them flowering across Kew and Wakehurst this summer

58 Fit for a king Visit Wakehurst to see one of our most spell-binding native birds, the kingfisher

48 Herbal essence A leaf through the ancient herbals in Kew’s Library – their weird and wonderful tales and useful insights

Cover story

IN THE GARDENS 22 Natural genius Meet the sculptor behind Kew’s major new exhibition – David Nash talks about his work and his hopes for this exciting and creative year at Kew

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