RHS Kew unveils summer programme

The Royal Horticultural Societys (RHS) Kew Gardens has released its summer programme of events, with much of the focus on its 250th anniversary celebrations.

Curator Nigel Taylor said there has never been a better time to visit the London gardens.

"Our 250th celebrations are well under way and there is a lot on offer at Kew this summer," he said.

The gardens Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) partnership safeguards over 1.5 billion seeds from ten per cent of the worlds flowering plant species.

An event called "Investigate Seeds" is set to take place from now until September 13th in the Nash Conservatory, where horticulturalists can learn about the first ten years of the MSB.

It is currently replanting its rose garden to match the original 1848 design by William Nesfield.

From October, gardeners will be able to get their green fingers on "Rosa" Kew Gardens – a thornless rose plant celebrating the centres anniversary that produces yellow and white flowers almost continuously from early summer until the end of the season.

The RHS recently announced its partnership with the governments We Will If You Will campaign, encouraging Brits to grow and eat their own fresh produce.