Kew Gardens

The first place we went to when we got to Kew Gardens was the Princess of Wales Conservatory. This had many different zones in it all of which had a different climate and humidity. All of these zones contained different plants. For example, one zone was ‘The Desert Zone’ and another ‘The Tropical Zone’. It was interesting walking through these zones and feeling the differences.

The next place we went to was the Alpine Garden and House. It was very open and fresh, the modern design was new and interesting. Next we went to the shop. I bought a candle and then we had lunch. Afterwards, we went on the Tree Top Walk which was quite frightening because it wobbled! Afterwards we visited the Palm and Temperate Houses which were both very humid.

Lily Cellan-Jones, Y8

My highlight of the year was definitely the Geography trip to Kew. It was very interesting going through all the greenhouses. We were given booklets and were allowed to use our cameras or phones to take pictures. We began in the Princess of Wales House where we observed plants that were adapted to warm weather. In the desert area there were plenty of cacti in different shapes and sizes. Some of them had really sharp, stiff spines and some were long and hairy. There was even one that looked like velvet! I really enjoyed visiting the Alpine House where it was cold as the building was trying to resemble a mountain. The plants were small, short and grew out of the rocks in clumps in order to keep well insulated. We had occasional breaks to have snacks and eventually lunch. My favourite part of the trip was when we walked past the mini aquarium and saw tropical rainbow fish, baby turtles and even piranhas!

Kabira Imona, Y8

The last time I went to Kew Gardens was when I was about nine – to play tag and sit and drink orange squash. At that age no-one can really take in what an amazing place Kew is. But I think from our Geography trip there I finally do!

We’ve learnt all about the tropical rainforest and its vegetation but you can’t get a feel of what it’s like without seeing it. And when you do, it is not something you forget in a hurry.

Kew has created places that are as close to these extra ordinary places all over the world as anywhere you can get. The Palm House has everything we’ve learnt about and more. But the place I found the most amazing had to be the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Every time you walked through another door, you felt the immediate and accurate shift in humidity and heat….

I didn’t like the Tree Walk; I’m scared of heights and get vertigo, not helped by the see-through floor! But as we got down a peacock leapt from a wall and opened his beautiful wings, which more than made up for being scared.

Catriona Gibbs, Y8