Kew Gardens: Family Memories and Why We Must Save the Palm House

Some places stay with you throughout your life. For me, Kew Gardens is one of those places.

When my children were little, I used to take them to Kew Gardens. I still remember how wonderful those visits were: enormous trees, beautiful gardens, extraordinary plants from around the world and magnificent glasshouses. There was always something different to discover.

It was never just a garden to me. It was a place where my children could explore, ask questions and discover the natural world. Those family moments remain precious memories.

More Than a Garden — Part of Our Community

Living and working in southwest London for so many years, I appreciate how fortunate we are to have Kew Gardens on our doorstep. It is part of what makes Richmond, Kew, Mortlake and the surrounding neighbourhoods so special.

Kew brings families together, welcomes visitors, supports education and scientific research, and reminds us why protecting nature matters. Local businesses such as The Tapestry Tapas Bar in Mortlake benefit from being part of such a wonderful area, but above all, Kew gives families memories that last.

The Palm House Needs Our Help

Recently I learned about Kew's appeal to restore its famous Palm House, and it really touched me. This magnificent Victorian glasshouse has stood since 1848, protecting extraordinary tropical plants, including rare and endangered species.

After almost 180 years, the building urgently needs major restoration. Kew has launched a £1 million public appeal towards a wider £66 million project to conserve the glasshouse and make it more sustainable for future generations.

If we enjoyed these places with our children, shouldn't we do everything we can to make sure our grandchildren and future generations can enjoy them too?

How Can Our Community Help?

Kew is inviting people to make donations, sponsor a pane of glass or support a tropical plant species. Every contribution, large or small, helps protect a special part of our local heritage.

Perhaps local businesses can help spread the word, families can share their favourite memories, and neighbours can come together to support the appeal. At The Tapestry, we would love to raise awareness and explore ways to contribute.

Protecting Memories for the Next Generation

My children are older now, but I still remember those visits with enormous affection. I hope that one day they will take their own children to Kew and experience the same sense of wonder.

From all of us at The Tapestry Tapas Bar in Mortlake, we wish Kew every success with this important project. Let's help keep this extraordinary place beautiful and inspiring for generations to come.

Support the official Palm House appeal: https://www.kew.org/appeal

With warm wishes, Jackson — The Tapestry Tapas Bar, Mortlake

Photograph: Andy Li, Kew Gardens Palm House (2025), Wikimedia Commons, CC0 public domain. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kew_Gardens_Palm_House_(view_from_south)_2025-05-14.jpg