Why Is the Greenhouse in the Royal Botanical Kew Garden London Is So Special?

By Robert Palmer

The Royal Botanical Kew Garden located in London is one of the most beautiful and diverse gardens in the world. With over 50,000 living plants and millions of preserved plant specimens, it is a treasure trove for plant lovers. One of the most special features of this garden is its greenhouse, which is a marvel of modern engineering and design.

The greenhouse at Kew Garden is officially known as the Temperate House. It was built in 1862 and was designed by architect Decimus Burton and horticulturist Joseph Paxton.

The Temperate House covers an area of 4,880 square meters and stands at an impressive height of 19 meters. It houses over 1,500 species of plants from temperate regions around the world.

The greenhouse is made up of an intricate network of steel beams and glass panels that allow sunlight to filter through to the plants below. The steel frame is painted white to reflect light back onto the plants, providing them with optimal growing conditions. The glass panels are specially designed to filter out harmful ultraviolet rays while allowing in the necessary amount of light for photosynthesis.

Inside the Temperate House, visitors can see a variety of different plant species arranged according to their region of origin. There are plants from Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America on display. Some notable specimens include a giant Amazon water lily that can support up to 100 kilograms in weight, a Chilean wine palm that stands at over 16 meters tall, and a Wollemi pine which was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in Australia in 1994.

One unique feature of the Temperate House is its use of computer-controlled climate systems that maintain ideal growing conditions for each plant species. The systems monitor temperature, humidity levels, air circulation, and even rainfall patterns to ensure that each plant receives exactly what it needs for optimal growth.

In addition to its impressive collection of plants, the greenhouse at Kew Garden is also an architectural masterpiece. The intricate steel framework and soaring glass panels create a sense of awe and wonder that is hard to describe in words. Visitors can walk through the greenhouse along winding paths and bridges that take them on a journey through different regions of the world.

Overall, the greenhouse at Kew Garden is a true marvel of modern engineering and design. It is a testament to human ingenuity and our ability to create beautiful spaces that are both functional and visually stunning. If you ever get the chance to visit London, be sure to add this amazing greenhouse to your list of must-see attractions.