Kew Gardens Receives £5m Grant for Palm House Renovation

Exbury, a peaceful village in Hampshire close to Southampton, is known primarily for the extensive and picturesque Exbury Gardens, which cover 200 acres and feature woodlands, formal gardens, a narrow-gauge steam railway, and riverside walks. The village itself has historical elements like St Katherine's Church, a Grade II listed building with features dating back to the 13th century. Nearby in Kent, the National Garden Scheme highlights several spectacular gardens open to visitors in September, showcasing late summer and early autumn blooms, including the Copper House, Doddington Place with its new ‘Wobbly Tower,’ and the newly introduced Hurst House with its Victorian walled garden. Additionally, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew has received a significant £5 million donation from The Julia Rausing Trust to support the renovation of the Palm House and Waterlily House, part of a £60 million project aimed at preserving these iconic glasshouses and achieving a net zero environmental status. These efforts across the UK underline a vibrant interest in garden preservation, public access, and horticultural heritage.