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MAGAZINE

PUBLISHED BY THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW

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KENT, U K/THE BRIDGEMAN ART LIBRARY, W OLFGANG STUPPY

Cover Pritchardiain the Palm Houseby Andrew McRobb PHOTOGRAPHS: A NDREW McROBB/RBG KEW, DO WN HOUSE,

Winter 2008 16 PROFILE Kew’s gene genie Gail Vines finds out how Kew’s Mike Fay is using genetics to help save endangered plant species 18ALL IN A DAY’S WORK Staging Kew’s carnival of colour From concept to dazzling reality, Emma Townshend watches Kew’s Tropical Extravaganzatake shape 24CONSERVATION In harmony with nature Gail Vines tunes in to an innovative music project that’s spreading the conservation message in Kenya 28PLANTS AND PEOPLE Record-breaking palms Kew’s Bill Baker selects some truly outstanding species from this incredible plant family

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32HERITAGE An evolving relationship Emma Townshend traces Charles Darwin’s close links with Kew 36KEW’S GARDENS Wake up to winter Now’s the time to explore the colours and scents ofWakehurst’s Winter Garden, says Chris Clennett 42KEW’S COLLECTIONS Pretty as a pitcher? Discover Kew’s amazing tropical pitcher plants with Richard Wilford 46FIELD WORK Lapland bites back Kew student Matti Niissalo seeks orchids in north-western Finland 50NOW AND THEN Arborists at Kew Comparing the vital work ofKew’s arborists, past and present

3In this issue A welcome from the new editor

4Kew news The latest from all Kew’s gardens

7Direction The director previews Kew’s 250th anniversary celebrations

10Cuttings Around-up of plant science news

41Kew tips Success with winter plants

52Young Kew Winter hideaways and how to make wildlife shelters

53Treasures of Kew The fascinating garden notebook of Wakehurst’s Gerald Loder

59Events Lots to do this winter at Kew and Wakehurst Place

72Axis Can we grow more food without destroying the environment?

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