Kew Highlights, Autumn 2008

Must sees

The Grass Garden

The Grass Garden is currently growing 550 species of grasses, a number that is continuously expanding. The feathery plumes of pampas grass and Miscanthus shimmer in the wind, and in the autumn and winter the perennial grasses look particularly spectacular, adorned with their seedheads.

The Arboretum

Kew is home to 14,000 trees, including around 200 of the finest specimens in the UK and unusual species from across the world. A stunning visual spectacle is created in autumn as leaves turn from verdant green to red, crimson and gold. The Arboretum covers a wide area between the Palm House and the Conservation area and can be viewed from the Treetop Walkway.

Winter Garden

The Winter Garden encircles the Ice House, which dates back to the 1760s and once stored ice for Kew Palace. It is planted especially to give colour and interest in December and January. An evergreen backdrop including Mahonia x media and the silk tassel bush (Garrya elliptica) serves as the perfect stage for winter.

Holly Walk

This pathway was originally laid out in 1874 and most of the hollies here are from the original plants. There are 56 species and hybrids making this the largest collection of mature hollies in cultivation in the world. The hollies usually flower in June with a mass of white flowers - but the berries, which can be red, black or white, are at their best from November to December.

Woodland Garden

The Temple of Aeolus, designed by Sir William Chambers between 1760 and 1763, overlooks this cool, shady garden. Sheltering beneath its canopy of oaks and birches are herbaceous perennials such as cyclamen, primulas and Himalayan blue poppies that provide vibrant bursts of colour. Look out for the giant lilies, Cardiocrinum giganteum, flowering among the shrubs, rhododendrons and maples.

Conservation Area

One of the most important aspects of Kew’s work is conservation. In the Gardens’ Conservation Area you can walk through the woods and see a host of colourful fungi growing on deadwood and grassland, and explore our Stag Beetle Loggery and giant Badger Sett.

For the children

Climbers and Creepers

Take your children to our unique interactive botanical play area, where they can wiggle through tunnels like a field mouse and slide down our giant pitcher plant.

Kid’s Guide

If you have children, see the Kids' Kew guide, this guide features exciting places to visit and things to do.  It includes stickers, a map, activities, fascinating facts and bad jokes!

Badger Sett

Discover what a Badger's home is really like.  Walk through the meter high underground tunnels and discover food stores and sleeping chambers.

Aquatic Displays

Look out for the aquatic displays in the basements of the Palm House and Princess of Wales Conservatory.

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