This informative volume traces the extraordinary evolution over more than two centuries of Kew's historic landscape, which began with two private royal gardens and expanded through the work of some of our most distinguished garden designers and architects, resulting in an important range of listed buildings of which thirty-nine have survived. These, together with the latest additions to Kew's architectural heritage, are extensively illustrated and described. As much part of this fascinating landscape are the principal figures in Kew's history - among them Queen Caroline, her son Frederick Prince of Wales, his wife Princess Augusta, and George III; Sir Joseph Banks, who organized the first worldwide plant-collecting expeditions; Sir William Hooker and his son, Sir Joseph, who laid the foundations of the present Botanic Gardens; and successive directors who formulated policy and enabled improvements. Kew also played a pivotal role in the development of the British Empire's natural resources, the introduction of commercial crops to the colonies and the compilation of colonial floras. Its collaboration with overseas botanical gardens, alongside its establishment as an international scientific institution are equally crucial and examined in detail. Whilst previous accounts of Kew have relied almost entirely on printed sources, the present volume makes extensive use of archives which support modern Kew's primary objective: "the better management of the Earth's environment by increasing knowledge and understanding of the plant kingdom".

Over more than two centuries, from the time of George II's wife, Queen Caroline, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew have developed into the remarkable institution we know today. Ray Desmond's authoritative illustrated history traces their 200-year evolution. It highlights the achievements of distinguished garden designers such as 'Capability' Brown and Charles Bridgeman who worked at the gardens and describes the buildings -the creations of eminent architects like William Kent and Decimus Burton -which make Kew so distinctive. Ray Desmond also outlines the very significant contributions Kew has made to scientific development and discovery over the years and underscores the primary objective of the gardens -'the better management of the earth's environment by increasing knowledge and understanding of the plant kingdom.' Ray Desmond has been Chief Librarian and Archivist at Kew and his richly illustrated and informative book is the first history of the gardens to make extensive use of Kew's own archives.

This splendidly illustrated book about the world famous botanic gardens at Kew examines their historic impact and importance. With 250 fascinating photographs, many of them previously unseen, it describes the botanical, social, cultural, political and technological developments of the past two centuries and highlights the pivotal role that plants have played in British life. The tale of Kew Gardens embraces a wide range of themes, including: plant hunters, ecologists, explorers and other pioneers; the evolution of building and garden design; influential directors, architects and landscape gardeners; the gardens as a vital public resource; digging for victory - Kew in wartime.

Comprehensively revised, this reference takes in every aspect of Kew's history over two centuries. Kew's heritage is illustrated and described, together with the events leading to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2003.

This book traces the work of distinguished gardeners and eminent architects, and also outlines Kew's contribution to Britain's national heritage.

"This book celebrated the work of iconic artist Dale Chihuly in the landscape of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. A reverie of form, colour and light, Chihuly's exquisite and utterly unique artworks are often described as exaggerated celebrations of what is found in nature. As the most biodiverse place on the planet, Kew's breath-taking setting is the ideal home for such work" - back cover.

Accompanying DVD chronicles Dale Chihuly's 2005 exhibition of his glass works at the Royal Botanic Gardens.