The Prince of Wales Conservatory
This magnificent conservatory contains ten ‘climatic zones’ under one roof, including the ‘dry tropics’, representing the world’s warm, arid areas, and the ‘wet tropics’, housing moisture-loving plants from ecosystems such as rainforests and mangrove swamps.
Every February, the conservatory comes alive with colour for a month, as Kew brings some tropical colour to winter with its annual orchids festival.
If Kew's orchids inspire you, then why not bring a taste of Kew into your home with our top five tips to keep orchids in tip-top condition.
The Palm House
This world-famous Victorian glasshouse was designed to accommodate the exotic palms being collected and introduced to Europe in early Victorian times.
Today’s highlights include the African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), the rare triangle palm (Dypsis decaryi) from Madagascar, as well as cocoa, rubber, banana and papaya plants and Asian fruit trees including mango, starfruit and jackfruit.
Take inspiration and introduce a touch of the tropics into your own home with a palm houseplant, such as the alluring Kentia palm.
The Rose Garden
Step outside the Palm House and into the beautiful, quintessentially English rose garden. Originally planted with evergreens, the area was converted to a rose garden and planted with 6,000 roses in 113 beds, in 1923. Currently under development, the garden, when finished, will encircle three sides of the Palm House, and include an area celebrating the history of the rose.
Looking for ideas for your own rose garden? Read our Christmas Rose dossier to learn more.
