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Bringing together the most significant collection of Henry Moore’s work ever to be enjoyed in the capital, 'Moore at Kew' is a wonderful organic context for his large-scale sculptures.

Reclining figures, mother and child compositions and abstract forms all feature, now given a fresh backdrop as Kew Gardens’ colourful flowers burst into springtime bloom. And as nights get milder, the final weekend of this six-month exhibition brings 'Moore Late Nights', a chance to see 20 of the 28 pieces illuminated when the Gardens reopen at 7pm for special evening viewings.

Kew Gardens’ propagator David Shipp

We spoke to Kew Gardens’ propagator, David Shipp, about the new season.

What can visitors see in the Gardens that they didn’t in winter?
Spring is Kew’s best season – it’s so alive and exciting. The sculptures feel more playful now; when you look through 'Double Oval' outside the Orangery you can see daffodils, and soon there’ll be other bulbs, like hyacinths, and the cherry and crab apple blossoms will start to appear. Seeing the artworks installed was exciting; when they are removed I expect it will be impressive to watch. Visitors love seeing the Gardens at work!

How have the sculptures complemented the landscape?
Some are positioned on vistas – for example, 'Oval with Points' frames a view that changes as you move around it. The placement of sculptures encourages visitors to areas of the Gardens they might not be familiar with.

Has your work as a gardener been influenced by the sculptures?
We took inspiration from Henry Moore’s creations when designing the spring bedding. The planting is more abstract than usual in front of the Palm House, so if you walk around the roundabout near 'Knife Edge Two Piece' and 'Reclining Figure', your view of the flowers changes, in a similar way to the view changing as you walk around a sculpture.

Margaret and her daughter Catriona from Northamptonshire: ‘This is our first visit to Kew. It’s great to see the Moore sculptures in this context, they are magnificent.’

What is your favourite piece?
The one I wish could stay at Kew is 'Double Oval'. I love 'Draped Reclining Mother and Baby' on the Broad Walk amid the daffodils. Also 'Large Reclining Figure', which glows when the sun catches it and has the beautiful Palm House backdrop.

Kew Gardens
020 8332 5655. Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB. Tube Kew Gardens/Kew Bridge or Kew Gardens rail. Daily 9.30am-5.30pm (Gardens close 7.30pm on Mar 30). Gardens £12.25, concs £10.25, children under 17 (accompanied by an adult) free. 'Moore Late Nights' Mar 28, 29; 7-10pm. £10, concs £7, children under 17 free. Ends Mar 30.

Moore Late Nights, March 28-29
Don’t miss out, book online now at www.kew.org or phone See Tickets on 0871 220 0260. Another 500 tickets will also be issued on the night, on a first come, first served basis.