Image by Jeff Eden © RBG Kew
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has completed the largest restoration project in its entire history. On 5 May, the doors of its spectacular Temperate House opened to reveal 10,000 breath-taking plants from 1,500 different species, making this magnificent structure the true jewel in crown at Kew Gardens
The world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, first opened in 1863, will be home to some of the world’s rarest and most threatened plants. In contrast to their sumptuous, romantic surroundings, these plants present a stark message; despite being the foundation of almost all life on earth, we are allowing them to fall prey to fall to a variety of threats. The Temperate House tells the stories of the plants that Kew Gardens has rescued, and the journeys they have taken to reach the sanctuary of their new home.
Funding by nearly £15 million from the National Lottery, as well as contributions from Defra and other donors, the five-year project involved 400 staff and contractors, 69,000 individual elements which were cleaned, repaired or replaced, and scaffolding equivalent to the length of the M25.
Speaking to the BBC on 3 May, Sir David Attenborough spoke of his delight with the restoration ahead of the evening event at which he officially opened the magnificent glasshouse. He said, “It is a breathtakingly beautiful space. These plants are wonderful, and here they are safe from peril.
“Kew does all sorts of things that nowhere else does. If you want to identify something, this is the ultimate authority worldwide. In some circumstances, the only way that you can prove that a particular plant is that species, is to come to Kew and compare what you have with what is here. This is why people come from all over the world to the Kew Herbarium, and to these great glasshouses.
“When I had an office job, I used to come to Kew at weekends when I was depressed, and take deep breaths. It’s lovely.”
Richard Barley, Director of Horticulture at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said, “It’s been amazing watching this project unfold, the building emerge gloriously and some of the world’s rarest plants safely reach their home. This is world class horticulture, science and design working together to create something truly impressive. The Temperate House is a glistening cathedral where the new glass allows the sun to stream in, and the ironwork has been restored to its glossy best.
“I’m most excited that it is for everyone, from young to old, for budding gardeners or aspiring artists, for those making a pilgrimage from great distances, and for our local community. We hope every visitor will see plants in a new light.”
Lord Gardiner, Minister for Kew, said, “Kew is recognised worldwide for its scientific prowess. It is also one of the world’s most iconic botanical gardens, home to a unique collection of flora and at the cutting edge of conservation, disease and climate change research. I am delighted to see Temperate House restored to an exceptional standard. It will amaze and inspire new generations of visitors with its outstanding architecture and abundance of plant life.”
