Kew Gardens in summer

Seasons and flowering times can vary by up to three weeks so the periods below are only approximate.

From June to early September, the Gardens are in full bloom. Early on, the Lilac Garden is a picture, while the Secluded Garden, Duke's Garden and Queen's Garden make stunning, longer-lasting shows.

Magnificent Indian horse chestnuts display their huge candles of bloom, and the Rose Garden and Grass Garden are firm favourites with many visitors. Summer scents fill the air from the special selection of plants around King William's Temple. There are some clever ideas in the Gravel Garden sponsored by Thames Water - it's in the Duke's Garden, which is also home to the Lavender Trail which shows the wonderful variety of this popular plant, and includes French lavender with its attractive ear tufts.

There are more fresh ideas from the Student Gardens near Brentford Gate. There is a new set of gardens created to a different theme each year.

Going indoors is rewarding, too. The giant waterlilies in the Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Waterlily House are as amazing now as they were when first seen by the early Victorians. There's some wonderfully showy Hibiscus in the Palm House, though the flowers are usually short-lived.