Enjoy May at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst
Release date: 15 April 2025
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- Of the Oak by Marshmallow Laser Feast opens at Kew Gardens, exploring the hidden life of an oak tree, as part of Kew’s summer of trees
- At Wakehurst, the Loder Valley Nature Reserve reopens after two years, alongside Coronation Meadow reopening for the summer
- New exhibition The Power of Trees showcases the spectacular influence woodland wonders on art and culture at Kew Gardens
- Horticultural highlights include picture-perfect purple wisteria and spectacular rhododendrons in Kew’s historic Rhododendron Dell
- Coming soon: Joe Wicks Festival at Kew Gardens, tickets available now
Kew Gardens
Of the Oak | 3 May – 28 September 2025 | Syon Vista | Included with entry to the Gardens | Media preview 1 May from 10am, RSVP to rsvpPR@kew.org
This month, experiential artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast unveil a new interactive video installation and a series of open-eyed meditations at Kew Gardens, inspired by one of Kew’s most magnificent trees.
Of the Oak marks Kew’s first-ever outdoor digital art commission, fusing of-the-moment scientific research alongside Marshmallow Laser Feast’s signature innovation. This world-premiere installation will take visitors on a captivating visual and auditory journey, using extensive real-world data to untangle the invisible web of water, oxygen and carbon at work within the majestic Lucombe oak - one of Kew Gardens’ most remarkable trees. Visitors are invited to explore a deep connection to the majestic tree's story and resilience, as they peer through its unique characteristics and learn about its vital role in the ecosystem.
From 3 May, every Thursday and Saturday at 11.30am, visitors can join a free Of the Oak walking tour to learn more about Kew’s oak collection.
The Power of Trees | until 14 September 2025 | Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art | Included with entry to the Gardens
Head to the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art for a new exhibition celebrating woodland wonders and their impact on art and culture across generations. The Power of Trees will showcase a broad range of works, from the world premiere of 20 delicate botanical illustrations from The Bedgebury Pinetum Florilegium Society to an epic cinematic installation from Finnish visual artist Eija-Liisa Ahtila.
In Horizontal – Vaakasuora, Ahtila portrays a 30-metre spruce from Finland across six vertical scenes, complete with a natural soundscape to create an immersive, living portrait. Ahtila’s preparatory works for the installation, entitiled Anthropomorphic Exercises in Film will premiere in the UK alongside the cinematic masterpiece. Forming a vibrant celebration of trees and their artistic resonance, the exhibition shines new light on the power of art in connecting people more deeply with the natural world.
The Nash Sessions: Ronnie Scott’s All Stars | Thursday 22 May | 6.30pm to 9pm (performance begins at 7.30pm) | Nash Conservatory, entry via Elizabeth Gate | Member £30, Child member £10, Non-member £40, Child non-member £10 | Includes entry to the Gardens
Join the club’s sensational house band Ronnie Scott’s All Stars as they take you on a journey through the last 60 years of jazz music. Hear incredible music from 1959 to the present day, performed by the UK’s finest jazz musicians. The current Ronnie Scott’s All Stars is led by the ebullient and highly-acclaimed pianist James Pearson. Joining James is bassist Sam Burgess and drummer Chris Higginbottom.
Coming Soon: Joe Wicks Festival at Kew | Sunday 6 July | 9.30am – 6pm | Tickets from £36 adult and £12.75 child
See the nation’s favourite body coach, Joe Wicks, return to Kew Gardens with his feel-good festival this summer. Bringing his signature high-energy style, Joe will be joined by a host of guest experts across four zones, each looking to boost the mental and physical wellness of friends and families.
Wellbeing in Nature
Kew’s popular event series Wellbeing in Nature returns this month, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing within the inspiring surroundings of Kew Gardens’ 320-acre UNESCO World Heritage site. All tickets include entry to Kew Gardens and a 20% discount in our restaurants.
Tai chi | 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 May | 9am – 10am | Mediterranean Garden / Berberis Dell
Boost your physical and mental wellbeing with the centuries-old Chinese martial art, ta chi, amidst the tranquil surroundings of Kew’s Mediterranean Garden. Six week courses also available for beginners and intermediate participants.
Forest bathing | 32 May | 10.30am- 12.30pm | Arboretum
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.
Temperate House Yoga | 16 May, 7.45am – 9am | Temperate House
This one-hour vinyasa flow session is 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.
Sound baths in nature | 7 & 14 May | 4pm – 5pm | Nash Conservatory
Immerse yourself in the calming sounds of gongs, singing bowls and gentle percussion in a therapeutic sonic experience for relaxation and wellbeing. No previous experience is needed for this expert-led session, making it the perfect opportunity to try a new way of reaching deep meditation and relaxation.
Pilates | 14 May | 10am – 11am | Nash Conservatory
Tone your body in our historic 19th century Nash Conservatory with our special Pilates sessions. Find mindfulness through pairing breathing exercises with movement; our knowledgeable and friendly Pilates instructor will focus on improving your flexibility, strength, and posture.
Horticultural Highlights – Spring
Catch the early shoots of wisteria around the Gardens, and head to Rhododendron Dell to soak up the splendour of Kew’s historic rhododendron collection in full bloom. Visitors can also enjoy the first displays in the Waterlily House as this year’s spectacle begins to unfold.
Short courses
Why not sign up for a short course at Kew? Led by a selection of experts, these one-day courses offer unique opportunities to develop fresh skills within the stunning surroundings of Kew’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Caesalpinia Pulcherrima 3D embroidery | 19 & 20 May | 10.30am – 4pm | Nash Conservatory
Elevate your embroidery skills with our exclusive two-day workshop at the picturesque Nash Conservatory, Kew Gardens. Drawing inspiration from the exquisite Caesalpinia Pulcherrima in the Princess of Wales Conservatory collection, this workshop delves into the timeless art of 3D embroidery using Stumpwork techniques.
Right plant, right place | 28 May | Nash Conservatory
This one-day course will give you lots of ideas and inspiration for plants that suit different situations and soil conditions, in both sunny and shady spots. Get inspiration for different planting combinations in the beautiful scenery of Kew, and learn how to match your garden environment to a plants’ needs to ensure a successful, healthy planting scheme.
Kew Publishing Book of the Month | The Kew Gardens Salad Book
The Kew Gardens Salad Book celebrates the rich possibilities that culinary plants and fungi offer in the kitchen through a diverse selection of tasty and easy salad recipes. Utilising a varied array of plant foods, author Jenny Linford enables and empowers readers to broaden their palates, improve their health, protect the environment and prevent biodiversity loss while enjoying delicious salads.
Drawing inspiration from cuisines and ingredients from around the world, these 65 varied vegetarian salads prove that eating well can be simple and satisfying without any need to sacrifice flavour.
Wakehurst
Horticultural Highlights
This May marks a new stage in Wakehurst’s ever-evolving landscape, as the Loder Valley Nature Reserve reopens, having been closed for nearly three years for vital conservation work. A newly refurbished route takes in 3.7km of ancient woodlands and Hanging Meadow, Wakehurst’s oldest meadow. Visitors venturing out to the Loder Valley can spot native wildlife from one of the three hides along the route and learn about the traditional landscape management practices that take place in the woodlands, from coppicing to charcoal burning.
The gates will be opened to the expansive Coronation Meadow, which this year celebrates 10 years since its creation. This stunning landscape boasts a thriving tapestry of native wildflowers and the familiar buzz of visiting pollinators.
Visitors venturing into the Bethlehem or Horsebridge Woods will be greeted by a dazzling carpet of bluebells, offering a striking balance to the shimmering silver of the National Birch (Betula) Collection. In the Iris Dell, a stunningly bold rhododendron becomes the star of the season, with its fleeting beauty on show for the start of the month. Nestled behind the Elizabethan Mansion, families can explore the Children’s & Community Garden, home to the popular Mud Kitchen for messy play. Later in the month, the Garden will be expanding with new vegetable plots, and a wooded stumpery and bug bed to welcome friendly critters.
Events
Spring into Community | 3 May | Free
A three-day festival of free workshops and activities aimed at charities and community groups. The programme connects participants with the wonder of Kew Science and Wakehurst's botanical collections, through art, music and creativity. In celebration of the Millennium Seed Bank's 25th anniversary, participants can take part in BSL tours of the Millennium Seed Bank Atrium, seed banking activities and seed-inspired storytelling.
Trees for Bees | Free with entry to the gardens
Scientists at Wakehurst are undertaking a pioneering project to discover which trees prove most popular with our buzzing pollinators. With this vital data, they can help boost populations of critical bees, wasps and more across the country, particularly in urban areas. And now, visitors have a chance to be part of it. Grab a free guide, download the app and follow our trail to help our scientists understand our bee population. Community groups can also sign up to an Engagement Session to hear from our scientists and enjoy a guided tour.
Willow weaving workshops – plant support | 9 May | 10.30am to 5pm | Member £88, non-member £98
Join us to explore the traditional craft of willow weaving and make your own handcrafted, six-foot-tall willow plant support! Guided by Dominic Parrette, you’ll be introduced to the techniques of weaving with willow coppiced right here at Wakehurst.
Spring forest bathing | 16 May | 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm | Member £25, non-member £40
Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing invites you to slow down and fully immerse yourself in the calming forest environment at Wakehurst. Guided by Swedish teacher and workshop leader Helena Skoog, you'll learn how to engage all your senses to connect deeply with your surroundings.
Parkrun at Wakehurst | Every Saturday from 9am | Free
Pace yourself through our scenic landscape as Parkrun is now at Wakehurst. Every Saturday morning, embark on a fun, free and friendly 5K. Participants must register with Parkrun before their first event.
Guided tours | Tues to Thurs, 11.30am and 2pm | Fri – Mon, 11.30am | Free, subject to availability
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you're a regular to the gardens wanting to learn more, join a volunteer-led tour to discover seasonal areas of interest, learn about the history of the landscape and discover behind-the-scenes stories of the gardens.
Millennium Seed Bank Atrium Guided Tours | Mondays 2pm | Free, subject to availability
Step inside the most biodiverse place on earth and enjoy a guided tour of the MSB Atrium. Trained volunteer guides will take you through the journey of a seed from collection to banking and point out areas of interest through the laboratory windows. Launched in celebration of the Millennium Seed Bank’s 25th anniversary.
Dog walks at Wakehurst | Daily | Dedicated dog walking route Enjoy Wakehurst’s wintery woodlands and captivating views with your four-legged friend in tow. Wakehurst’s dedicated dog walking route takes you through woodlands of the world, offering a dog walk with a difference. Excitable pups can burn off energy in the secure off-lead area and enjoy some downtime in Wakehurst’s dog-friendly cafes.
Exhibitions
Surviving or Thriving: An exhibition on plants and us | Daily, 10am – 3.30pm | Millennium Seed Bank | Included with entry
This exhibition brings Kew’s State of the World’s Plants reports to life, telling the story of why some plants are only surviving, while others are thriving. Through film, audio, models, and a futuristic garden, explore the challenges that plants face and discover the vital role of fungi.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific and horticultural institution and conservation charity, whose mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth. It is internationally respected for its outstanding collections, horticultural and scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the globe.
Kew Gardens, with its 132 hectares of historic, landscaped gardens, is also a major attraction for international and London visitors alike. Dating back to 1759, the site has a rich history and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003. Combined visitor numbers with Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, total over 2.5 million per year. Wakehurst is home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world and a safeguard against the disastrous effects of climate change and biodiversity loss.
RBG Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from the UK Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils, with the remaining two thirds coming from supporters, sponsors, memberships and commercial activity including ticket sales. This enables RBG Kew to carry out its vital scientific and educational work.
For tickets and membership options, please visit our website. Since implementing a new accessibility scheme for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Legacy Benefits, Kew has welcomed over 100,000 visitors with £1 tickets across both UK sites.
About Wakehurst
Whilst Wakehurst is not a National Trust property, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has a longstanding relationship with the National Trust dating back to 1965 when Kew took over the running of Wakehurst’s 535 acres of botanical landscapes and Elizabethan Mansion, bequeathed to the National Trust in 1963.
Wakehurst is Kew’s wild botanic garden in the Sussex High Weald National Landscape. Its ancient and beautiful landscapes span 535 acres and are a place for escape, exploration, tranquility, and wonder. Its diverse collection of plants from Britain and around the globe thrive within a tapestry of innovative gardens, temperate woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Wakehurst is a centre for UK biodiversity and global conservation, seed research and ecosystem science. At its heart is Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, the world’s largest store of seeds from wild plant species.
RBG Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Further funding needed to support RBG Kew’s vital work comes from donors, membership and commercial activity including ticket sales. In the first six months since implementing a new accessibility scheme for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Legacy Benefits, Kew has welcomed over 100,000 visitors with £1 tickets.
At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, we’re dedicated to harnessing the power of plants and fungi to end the extinction crisis and secure a future for all life on Earth. With our world-leading research, global partnerships and beloved gardens – home to the world’s most diverse collections of plants and fungi – we’re using our trusted voice to shape policy and practice worldwide. As a charity we rely on the critical support of our visitors, not only to sustain the gardens, but to protect global plant and fungal biodiversity for the benefit of our planet and humanity.
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In March 2021, RBG Kew launched its 10-year strategy Our Manifesto for Change 2021. The institution’s ultimate goal is step up to help to end the extinction crisis and contribute to creating a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. In the wake of a global pandemic, and with the future of the planet in peril, the strategy represents a public commitment by RBG Kew to do everything in its power to reverse the environmental devastation of biodiversity loss and climate change. The five key priorities are 1) Delivering science-based knowledge and solutions to protect biodiversity and use natural resources sustainably 2) Inspiring people to protect the natural world 3) Training the next generation of experts: 4) Extending our reach 5) Influencing national and international opinion and policy.
On May 25 2021 RBG Kew launched its new Sustainability Strategy – committing to become Climate Positive by 2030 and marking a step-change in our urgent action to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis.