Kew Gardens’ horticultural team has begun a careful operation to move and propagate plants from the iconic Palm House as the Victorian glasshouse prepares for major renovation. The wrought-iron and glass structure, described by staff as cathedral-like, is in need of repair after years of rust and warping, prompting a programme to protect its plant collection before work begins.
Palm House manager Will Spoelstra said the work is emotionally difficult for staff who have cared for the plants for years. "There are some sad moments ahead," he said, acknowledging that while many specimens can be relocated or propagated, a number of the taller trees are too large to be saved in situ and will need to be felled.
Teams of horticulturalists are propagating specimens and transferring others to temporary locations to preserve genetic stock and maintain continuity of the collection. The activity is being carried out as a race against time to ensure as many plants as possible survive the disruption caused by the restoration of the historic greenhouse.
Kew has emphasised the conservation and scientific reasons for the work, noting the importance of safeguarding rare and significant species that have grown in the Palm House for decades. While some losses are anticipated, staff say propagation and relocation efforts will allow many of the plants' lineages to continue once renovation is complete.