An orchid festival, eh? Tell me more.
Well it turns out orchids are a pretty big deal in the horticultural world. Kew Gardens has been honouring the flower with its own festival for more than two decades and last year botanists discovered a whopping 600 new species. Each year brings with it a new festival theme, this time: Colombia, a country that is home to 4,270 species of orchids. Enter the Princess of Wales Conservatory from Saturday February 9-March 10 2019 and you’ll find a rich South American paradise. Bloomin’ lovely!
But Kew’s always full of flowers. What makes this so spesh?
You’re right, but the colours of this particular festival are always guaranteed to slash straight through the winter blues.
So I should expect Kew’s hues to be on-point?
Hell, yes! As well as the many, many flowers, look out for a ‘Carnival of Animals’ display depicting a toucan in flight, a hanging sloth, swimming turtles and hundreds of colourful butterflies suspended from the glasshouse ceiling. Yellow orchids floating over the glasshouse pond depicting the legend of El Dorado. In short: it’s going to be gorgeous.
So it’s not just a load of pot plants?
As if. Kew has enlisted the help of Colombian multi-disciplinary artist, Vanessa Moncayo Gonzaìlez to transform the glasshouse film room into a Bogotá-style cafe where you can grab a cup of tea and take in some colourful street-art style murals. There will also be a special 'lates' series where you can wander around the display after dark. Join for dance sessions, craft nights and an evening dedicated to real Colombian coffee tasting.
Orchids Festival is taking place at Kew Gardens from Sat Feb 9- Mar 10. Entry to the festival is included in Kew Gardens ticket price. Orchid Festival Lates are extra and ticketed.
