Kew kicks of 2009 with gardening lecture series

Gardeners will soon be able to put the stresses of Christmas and New Year behind them for another 11 months or so and get back to their gardens and greenhouses.

To get them in the mood, Kew Royal Botanical Gardens is hosting its annual lecture series throughout the month of January.

The talks are famed among gardeners the world over and are to be hosted by Kew Mutual Improvement Society beginning on January 5th.

LondonPass holders can attend for free while adult tickets cost £13 but come with a ten per cent discount on admission to Kew Palace.

The first lecture will be given by diploma student Tessa Mills, who will present the interestingly-named Rodrigues: Horticulture, Conservation and Aliens.

This will be followed by a January 12th talk on Medicinal Plants in the Home from broadcaster and well-known herb expert, Jekka McVicar.

Fans of US horticulture may be more interested in Emma Crawforths Ice and Fire – Oregon and California, in which she will explore the intricacies of both states.

The LondonPass also allows holders to obtain free entry to over 55 attractions including the Tower of London and St Pauls Cathedral.