We visited Kew once, but with small children in tow. There was no way we could absorb even a fraction of all they have to offer. Unfortunately a return visit didn't quite mesh with our recent travel itinerary either. Your experience has me thinking it should be on our "must see" list the next time around.
Absolutely add it to your list for the next trip! Especially if your past experience of the place was anything like the occasions when I've visited great gardens with my son... Small children are wonderful for many reasons, but do not make for the most patient garden-visiting partners!
Thank you soooo much for this post, Dan. I've never been to Kew and at this stage of my life and living far on the other end of the world, it's highly unlikely I will get there. You have wetted my appetite to seek out books and articles to get a handle on the scope of the place. I hadn't realised it was 500 acres - a few yes, but not 500! And isn't it reassuring to know that there are gardens in the world entirely devoted to keeping species going for the world's sake? Thanks again.
Never say never, Prue! You may yet find yourself walking through the great glasshouses at Kew. There's actually a whole space devoted to showcasing plants from Western Australia, one of the world's great biodiversity hotspots – it made me equally yearn to explore a part of the planet a little closer to where you call home!
Yes, it is sad! And more depressing still to think of how many more will be lost in the coming years – we humans just don't learn! As you say, at least there are people out there trying to do something about it.
Lovely words Dan!
Thank you, very kind of you to say so!
We visited Kew once, but with small children in tow. There was no way we could absorb even a fraction of all they have to offer. Unfortunately a return visit didn't quite mesh with our recent travel itinerary either. Your experience has me thinking it should be on our "must see" list the next time around.
Absolutely add it to your list for the next trip! Especially if your past experience of the place was anything like the occasions when I've visited great gardens with my son... Small children are wonderful for many reasons, but do not make for the most patient garden-visiting partners!
Thank you soooo much for this post, Dan. I've never been to Kew and at this stage of my life and living far on the other end of the world, it's highly unlikely I will get there. You have wetted my appetite to seek out books and articles to get a handle on the scope of the place. I hadn't realised it was 500 acres - a few yes, but not 500! And isn't it reassuring to know that there are gardens in the world entirely devoted to keeping species going for the world's sake? Thanks again.
Never say never, Prue! You may yet find yourself walking through the great glasshouses at Kew. There's actually a whole space devoted to showcasing plants from Western Australia, one of the world's great biodiversity hotspots – it made me equally yearn to explore a part of the planet a little closer to where you call home!
Wow!! Kew sounds amazing! It's so sad to think of all the plants that have been lost, but I'm glad Kew can help redeem those days a little.
Yes, it is sad! And more depressing still to think of how many more will be lost in the coming years – we humans just don't learn! As you say, at least there are people out there trying to do something about it.