London, Kew Gardens - 12-08-2023 (37)A
Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
Founded in 1840, from the exotic garden at Kew Park, Kew Gardens has in its collection something over 30,000 different plants whilst the herbarium has over 7,000,000 preserved plants.
The Palm House was built between 1844-1848 by architect Decimus Burton and iron-maker Richard Turner. The Temperate House was built between 1859 – 1899, also by Burton and Turner and is twice as big as the Palm House. This building was restored between the years 2014–2015.
There was a Tea House but it was burnt down in 1913 by suffragettes.
The Orangery was designed by Sir William Chambers and finished in 1761 as part of the original Kew Park. It proved to be too dark to grow oranges and these were finally removed in 1841. It is now a restaurant.
The Waterlily House, again Richard Turner provided the ironwork and the building was completed 1852. Originally built to contain the plant ‘Victoria amazonica’, the largest water lily, it didn’t suit the plant and it was moved to a smaller building. Today there are many different water lilies and a place definitely worth visiting.
The Pagoda was also designed by Sir William Chambers and built in 1762. It is 164ft high and 49ft wide at the bottom. There are 253 steps, it has been closed for many years, then reopened in 2006 for a short while now is closed again. It was supposed to be opened in early 2017 after renovation work, this date now extended to early 2018.
Kew Palace was built by Samuel Fortrey, a Dutch merchant, around 1631. It was later purchased by King George III. This is another building that has had major renovation work done. The leading conservation firm of Donald Insall Assoc. completed the work by 2006.
There are many other Houses or Galleries to visit other than those mentioned, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, The Alpine House, Nash Conservatory, Princess of Wales Conservatory, Rhizotron, The Japanese Gateway, The Minka House, The Marianne North Gallery and The Treetop Walkway.
A most worthwhile place to visit.
London, Kew Gardens - 12-08-2023 (37)A
Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
Founded in 1840, from the exotic garden at Kew Park, Kew Gardens has in its collection something over 30,000 different plants whilst the herbarium has over 7,000,000 preserved plants.
The Palm House was built between 1844-1848 by architect Decimus Burton and iron-maker Richard Turner. The Temperate House was built between 1859 – 1899, also by Burton and Turner and is twice as big as the Palm House. This building was restored between the years 2014–2015.
There was a Tea House but it was burnt down in 1913 by suffragettes.
The Orangery was designed by Sir William Chambers and finished in 1761 as part of the original Kew Park. It proved to be too dark to grow oranges and these were finally removed in 1841. It is now a restaurant.
The Waterlily House, again Richard Turner provided the ironwork and the building was completed 1852. Originally built to contain the plant ‘Victoria amazonica’, the largest water lily, it didn’t suit the plant and it was moved to a smaller building. Today there are many different water lilies and a place definitely worth visiting.
The Pagoda was also designed by Sir William Chambers and built in 1762. It is 164ft high and 49ft wide at the bottom. There are 253 steps, it has been closed for many years, then reopened in 2006 for a short while now is closed again. It was supposed to be opened in early 2017 after renovation work, this date now extended to early 2018.
Kew Palace was built by Samuel Fortrey, a Dutch merchant, around 1631. It was later purchased by King George III. This is another building that has had major renovation work done. The leading conservation firm of Donald Insall Assoc. completed the work by 2006.
There are many other Houses or Galleries to visit other than those mentioned, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, The Alpine House, Nash Conservatory, Princess of Wales Conservatory, Rhizotron, The Japanese Gateway, The Minka House, The Marianne North Gallery and The Treetop Walkway.
A most worthwhile place to visit.