Kew Gardens’ popular annual Orchid Festival is returning next moth, celebrating the diversity of Peru.
Kew Gardens is set to host its annual Orchid Festival starting from February 1 and running over the winter until March 29.
This annual celebration of the orchid will take over the Princess of Wales Conservatory, turning it into a multicoloured display, along with photographs and artwork to celebrate Peru.
This annual celebration of the orchid will take over the Princess of Wales Conservatory, turning it into a multicoloured display. (Image: RBG Kew)
In previous years the festival has celebrated other countries like Madagascar and Cameroon.
Peru boasts over 3000 species of Orchid and this exhibition will showcase blooms like the Puya raimondii (commonly known as the Queen of the Andes), along with alpacas and parihuanas (Andean flamingos) made in floral form.
The festival will also feature a cornucopia, along with alpacas and parihuanas (Andean flamingos), all created in floral form, with colourful blooms inspired by one of Peru’s national symbols.
In previous years the festival has celebrated other countries like Madagascar and Cameroon. (Image: RBG Kew)
The conservatory pond will also feature a collection of flowers, like the parihuanas standing in front of the Machu Picchu, while sculptures will be dotted in amongst the blooms, inspired by the Queen of the Andes known as endangered by the IUCN.
Alongside the Orchids, the festival will also house a collection of murals and hand-painted pottery from Lima-born artist Gisella Stapleton, and large-scale photography by Peruvian photographer Mariano Vivanco.
On selected evenings the gardens will also be open late with their After Hours event, where visitors will have access to the Orchid display which will be accompanied with live Peruvian music.
The conservatory pond will also feature a collection of flowers. (Image: RBG Kew) Solene Dequiret, Supervisor of the Princess of Wales Conservatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew says: “We are thrilled to bring the biodiversity of Peru to life in this year’s orchid festival. From the towering peaks of the Andes to precious fog oases and beyond, the rich tapestry of Peru’s flora and fauna provides an endless source of inspiration.
“Our team work tirelessly to create breathtaking displays that not only celebrate the beauty of orchids but also highlight the importance of conservation efforts globally.
“Orchids Peru is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and escape the winter blues while learning about Kew’s ongoing commitment to understand and protect our planet’s biodiversity.”
On selected evenings the gardens will also be open late with their After Hours event, where visitors will have access to the Orchid display. (Image: RBG Kew)
Entry to Kew’s Orchid Festival is included within a standard ticket for Kew Gardens, with prices starting at £12 for adults and £4 for children, while carers are admitted free, and £1 entry is available for recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Legacy Benefits and asylum applicants.