Horticultural Highlights

Spring is in full bloom throughout April at Kew Gardens, with magnificent magnolias flowering across the gardens. Colourful cherry blossoms are also in flower along Cherry Walk behind the Palm House and at Asano Avenue near the Temperate House, where visitors will also discover a treasure trove of tulips, as well as bluebells across the gardens.  At Wakehurst delicate magnolias draw people across a new winding boardwalk path through to the Water Gardens where striking azaleas burst into bloom. A new 12m viewing platform awaits with spectacular views of vibrant rhododendrons that transform the steep ravines of Westwood Valley.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar arrives at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst for Easter 2022 with a brand-new interactive adventure to nourish curious minds of all ages. Based on Eric Carle’s best-selling children’s book, the trail will recreate the journey of the caterpillar from egg to butterfly though a series of 3D installations, including a variety of fruit, a cosy chrysalis, and a bright, beautiful butterfly, each recreating the signature aesthetic of the much-loved book. 2^nd– 18^th April at Kew Gardens & 2^nd – 24^th April at Wakehurst.

Zadok Ben-David: Natural Reserve

Extended until 24 April 2022 due to popular demand, Zadok Ben David: Natural Reserve concludes at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art this month. This first solo exhibition by the artist in the UK since 2008 includes Blackfield, a space-specific floor installation containing over 17,000 steel etched flowers assembled entirely by hand.

Wellbeing at Kew

Kew’s popular wellbeing events return this March, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing within the inspiring surroundings of Kew Gardens’ 320-acre UNESCO World Heritage site.

Forest bathing 

2^nd, 8^th, 13^th, 20^th & 26^th April | 10.30am- 1pm | Arboretum | £60 (includes entry to the Kew Gardens and 20% discount in our restaurants)
Inspired by the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a sensory woodland walk alongside an expert guide, who will lead participants as they disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. Organised in partnership with the Forest Bathing Institute.

Tai chi 

1^st, 22^nd & 29^th April | 9am – 10am | Mediterranean Garden | £35 (includes entry to Kew Gardens and 20% discount in our restaurants)
Boost your physical and mental wellbeing with the centuries-old Chinese martial art, ta chi, amidst the tranquil surroundings of Kew’s Mediterranean Garden.

Temperate House Yoga 

5^th, 12^th & 27^th April| 7.30am – 8.45am | Temperate House | £45 (includes entry to Kew Gardens and 20% discount in our restaurants)
These one-hour vinyasa flow sessions are held in the spectacular Temperate House. Enjoy pre-opening classes in the midst of 10,000 rare and endangered plants, led by Anil Jangi, Kew’s own yoga instructor.

New Family Kitchen & Shop

Situated next to the interactive Children’s Garden, Kew’s brand-new Family Kitchen & Shop not only offers families a place to eat and drink, but also to engage with the natural world and learn more about where food comes from, discovering the important role which plants and fungi play in all our lives. With a capacity to host up to 250 diners, the restaurant is a space where the wonder of nature combines with an interactive food laboratory and is perfect for a visit this spring.

Elegant and Enchanting

Also at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art during March is Elegant and Enchanting, a stunning art exhibition highlighting the plant habitats and stunning flora of Japan, China and Thailand. Featured artists include Asuka Hishiki, Hideo Horikoshi, Mariko Ikeda, Mieko Ishikawa and Kimiyo Maruyama. Curated by Dr Shirley Sherwood OBE, the exhibition highlights these botanically rich countries and their wide range of plant habitats and beautiful flora.

Short Courses

Organic gardening

11^th April | 10.30am – 4pm | Lady Sainsbury Lecture Theatre | £80
This new course with award-winning tutor and writer Christine Lavelle will teach you how to create your own environmentally friendly garden. With tips on composting, companion planning and border design, this one day course will highlight best practice techniques for growing fruit and vegetables at home.

Botanical sketchbook study: Intermediate 

19^th – 21^st April | 10.30am – 4pm | Museum No.1 | £360
Join botanical artist Lucy Smith for this course, suitable for participants with some experience of botanical drawing. Over three days, you will learn to record a wealth of information from life through detailed sketchbook-style study.

Introduction to vegetable growing

20^th April | 10.30am – 4pm | Cambridge Cottage | £80
This one-day workshop, led by Kew botanical horticulturist Helena Dove, will teach you how to grow some of the most popular vegetable crops. With gardening tips and tricks covering everything from seed sowing and harvesting, this course will help you to get the most out of your homegrown vegetables all year round.