Hoya diversifolia in the Princess of Wales

Conservatory

Issue 11 3 Summer 2024

Contents

DIRECTOR’S VIEW Enjoy all the benefits nature offers at Kew P5

Discover

What to see and do at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst – exhibitions, seasonal highlights, events, family activities and membership benefits P6

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MEADOWS – IT’S A JUNGLE IN THERE, p14 Discover how meadows support wildlife and boost wellbeing. Celebrate them at Wakehurst this summer

WILD, UNRULY & SPELLBINDING, p20

Explore Kew’s new Wild Rose Collection, which reveals the origins of this iconic flower

‘GIVE NATURE A CHANCE’, p24 Ahead of the first Joe Wicks Festival at Kew, Joe Wicks talks to us about making the most of the outdoors for health and wellbeing

FINDING NEW PLANTS THAT FIGHT CANCER, p28 How Kew scientists are testing plant compounds on cancer cells

GUARDIANS OF THE

GARDENS, p32 Meet Kew’s plant security team, who help prevent the spread of pests and diseases

UNEARTHING HIDDEN

TREASURES, p36 Take a peek at some of our favourite items from Kew’s Library and Archives

BEHIND THE SCENES Welcome to the wider world of Kew. Discover a reforestation project in Madagascar, new Wollemi pines and a bee haven at

Wakehurst P44

WHY SHEEP EAT IV Y, p40 Why we’re collecting stories of traditional veterinary plant remedies

CUTTINGS, p51 Bring Kew into your home. Create a Mediterranean Garden,

plus our pick of new books

THE LAST WORD, p58 Author Sathnam Sanghera on the complex role of botany in the history of our world

MEMBERS’ MAP Check out your exclusive map with must-see places featured in this issue P56

SUMMER 2024 | 3