Where can I find information on the Kew Diploma?

Check out our School of Horticulture web pages

What short courses does Kew run?

Kew runs a series of short courses including botanical illustration, photography, botany and horticulture. Check out our Education web pages

What work do Kew Diploma Students do?

This is a 3 year course combining working in the Gardens with formal training. Check out our School of Horticulture web pages

What is Honey Fungus and how do I treat it?

The Forestry Commission provides a Plant Health Service. www.forestry.gov.uk Tel: 01420 23000

Have you planted a replacement beech tree?

A young Sorbus collected from China was planted next to the site of the beech tree. Kew plants approximately 100 trees per year. In 2003, some of the beech that was felled was used to make plinths for the Emily Young statues on display for the Go Wild Festival. The rest was recycled via the compost heap.

How do I become a tree surgeon?

The Arboricultural Association is the Trade Body for tree surgeons and can provide training details www.trees.org.uk Tel: 01794 368978

Can I climb trees at Kew?

No tree climbing is permitted other than by our trained staff. This is because of the risk to yourself and to the tree. Visitors were able to enjoy the special Treetop Walkway but this is now closed and is being dismantled.

What's happening in Summer this year?

2005 sees Gardens of Glass: Chihuly at Kew UK's first major garden installation by renowned American artist Dale Chihuly. See our web pages on current events in the gardens

Is the Field Hospital still at Kew?

No, the Field Hospital was just at Kew for the Go Wild Festival in summer 2003. You can find out more about the Field Hospital on this website

I want my work to be shown at Kew

Kew's programme is full for next 2 years but you can contact us with ideas

Where is the Badger Sett?

You can find it in the south-western zone of the gardens - there's a map on the Badger Sett web page

When do the bluebells flower?

Bluebells are at their best end of April / beginning of May depending on the weather. There is a special festival dedicated to Woodland events on the first May Bank Holiday weekend, held in the Conservation Area at Kew. There is an equally fine display at Wakehurst Place, usually coming to its best a week or two after Kew.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is an all-encompassing word used to describe the variety of life on Earth. Read a more detailed description on our Go Wild website

Is Kew Palace open?

Kew Palace is administered by the Historic Royal Palaces. It will be re-opening in 2006 after major restoration. For detailed information on the Palace and its restoration see www.hrp.org.uk

What did we do with the dis-used glasshouse?

The glasshouse has been restored and now features our Climbers and Creepers botanical play area for kids

Why is the Constabulary a Kew institution?

The Kew Constabulary was founded in 1845. It continues to play an important role at Kew, looking after security, lost property and providing an excellent service to our visitors. They are independent, but work in close liaison with the Metropolitan Police over various matters.

Where can I find out more about bees & bee-keeping

You can find out more via our Bee Garden web page

When do the rhododendrons flower?

They flower from early in the year and can last through to early summer. Check the Spring at Kew web page for more seasonal information

When does the wisteria flower?

April to May. Check the Spring at Kew web page for more seasonal information

When is next titan arum due to flower?

We can never be sure when the next titan arum will bloom. Plants can usually be seen in leaf in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. To see a timeline of previous flowerings, and discover more about this spectacular plant, see the extensive online information on our special titan arum plant profile pages. News of any imminent flowerings will also be posted on those pages.

How can I find out more about the Palm House?

You will find lots of information on this website about the Palm House

What are Thrips?

Thrips are insects that feed on the contents of plant cells. Kew cannot advise on individual plant care. Kew uses biological controls including a fungus that combats aphids, thrips, mealy bug etc.

What fungus is used to get rid of Thrips and where do I get it?

The fungus used to combat thrips in Palm House is mycotal, purchased from Fargro - www.fargro.co.uk

When do the glasshouses open at Kew?

Check our opening & closing times pages for current times