HOW KEW GARDENS BEGAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 1 May 1937, Page 16

HOW KEW GARDENS BEGAN

In the reign ol Charles 11, Lord Capel had at Kew a garden containing an orangery and the finest fruit-trees and flowers in England. He grew everything obtainable at that time. The garden was famous. In 1730 Frederick, Prince of Wales, obtained a long lease of the house and ground from the Capel family. To his widow Kew Gardens owe much of their present glory. She bestowed on them definite scientific form. Kew was then described as “that garden where every tree that has been seen in Europe is at hand.” George 111 showed great interest in the gardens after his mother’s death. During his reign the botanical, exploration, and horticultural activity at Kew had no parallel—and it has not since been surpassed. No fewer than 6,746 rare exotic plants were introduced. At that time a common fuchsia, now worth 6d, realised £5. Sir Joseph Banks, who voyaged with Captain Cook, became unofficial Director. He sent collectors all over the world. A botanist connected with Kew accompanied Captain Cook on in ß mird voyage. The same man, David Nelson, sailed to the South Seas in the ill-fated “Bounty” when that vessel went to introduce the bread-fruit to the West Indies—an idea which probably originated at Kew.