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Architects model of new Alpine House

Architect's model of the new Davies Alpine House, which opened in March 2006
 

 

Alpine House

There have been Alpine Houses at Kew since 1887. The first was enlarged in 1891, and again in 1938 when it was rebuilt along traditional lines with brick foundations, wooden sides and a low-pitched, glass roof. Plants in pots were displayed on wood stagings either side of a central path. Popular with visitors to the gardens, it was closed in 1981 with the opening of a new house.

The Davies Alpine House opened to the public on 11 March 2006

That second Alpine House closed in 2004 when a brand new house was planned. The renowned Kew collection of alpines is now housed in a third and strikingly innovative Alpine House, which opened in March 2006 at the north end of the Rock Garden, which itself has its own fine collection of alpines and bulbs.

Alpine houses allow alpines to be grown in places with significantly different conditions from those they would experience in their native habitats. In the wild, alpines spend the winter dormant, dry and protected from the desiccating effect of cold winds by a blanket of snow.

Spring in alpine climates arrives rapidly, with melting snow providing moisture for growth. A short growing season means that plants have to grow quickly, taking advantage of the brief period of moisture and intense light. Seasonal changes in alpine climates are abrupt.

Horticultural alpines also benefit from the protection of an alpine house. The rainfall in their natural environment may vary significantly from the conditions in Britain. The protection from frost afforded by a house further extends the range of plants that can be grown and high temperatures can be avoided by shading, ventilation and other devices. Britain's weather conditions are considerably different, being defined by fluctuating temperatures and humidity. In an alpine house, shading, air movement and additional light can all be provided. Most importantly, where plants are grown in a protected environment, the amount of water they receive can be controlled, giving them the cultural conditions they need to thrive.

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See also

Heritage linkKew's History & Heritage: Alpine House

 

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