Kew Gardens’ Orchid Festival is a delight for the senses

I am the first to admit that when it comes to keeping an orchid as a house plant, I find it pretty challenging. Too much water? Not enough? Too much sunlight? Not enough? 

But after experiencing the annual Orchid Festival at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, something which has been on my list for ages, I have a whole new appreciation for them.

Did you know that long before us humans arrived, orchids were already the the most diverse family of flowering plants, with 30,000 different species even then, making up 10% of the total plant species on the planet?

But it took a while for them to catch our eye, but oh my did they catch our eye - there are now more than 100,000 hybrids and cultivated varieties in existence today. 

And luckily for us, the amazing team at Kew Gardens work tirelessly each year to bring us even more insight into this incredible species.

Every winter, the Princess of Wales Conservatory is transformed with vibrant flora, brightening up the dullest of days (actually when we went, it was beautifully sunny), with ceiling to floor displays showcasing the beauty of the orchid. 

The theme for 2024 is Madagascar, home to some of the world’s rarest plant species - more than 14,000 of its plants are not found anywhere else in the world. Kew has chosen the country to highlight its long-term commitment to understanding and conserving the flora there. 

As soon as you step through the door, you are transported to a land of lush rainforests, arid deserts and rich wildlife - I particularly loved the strategically placed ring tailed lemurs throughout the display. 

There are bursts of colour around every corner, in places you do not even expect, from elaborate, bold species of orchid to smaller, very intricate types. It really is a complete escape and immersion - the sounds, the sights, the smells - and what a wonderful experience for the senses. 

A short film immerses you even further in the landscapes of Madagascar from its breathtaking coastlines to dense rainforests; you really appreciate the eco-systems in the country that are delicately balanced so that species of plants, fungi and animals thrive. 

What a delightful way of spending a few hours, marvelling at the beauty of the orchids, and enjoying a brilliantly-executed display. This is the 28th annual Orchid Festival, and I can see why it’s so popular - I will certainly have the dates in my diary next year!