Kew has announced it will open a new 'Carbon Garden' in July 2025 at the site of the world-famous botanic garden in Richmond - London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden has been designed to explain the role of carbon in nature and will demonstrate how plants and fungi can help mitigate climate change, while also emphasising the urgent need for action, to raise awareness in this area.
A key feature of the exhibit is a display with carefully selected stripes of herbaceous perennials that will visually depict the rise in global temperatures over time. An illustrative soil profile, a rocky outcrop and an exposed coal seam will also feature to highlight the intricate connection between plants and fossil fuels.
At the heart of the Carbon Garden will be a central pavilion designed by Mizzi Studio. Drawing inspiration from fungi, this structure will be built using low-carbon, natural materials. Its forward-tilted canopy will channel rainwater into the rain garden, while also providing a sheltered space for school visits and community activities.
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The Carbon Garden will also focus on adaptation strategies. A dry garden featuring drought-resistant and Mediterranean plants will offer insight into how gardens in London may look in the coming decades due to climate change.
At least 26 new trees, chosen for their resilience to future climate conditions, will be planted to enhance biodiversity and serve as natural carbon sinks. Additionally, a rain garden and bioswale will showcase water management techniques that prevent soil erosion, reduce flooding, and support carbon storage in plant life.
Biodiversity is another key theme of the project. Grasslands, wildflower meadows, and native hedgerows will create resilient ecosystems, demonstrating the superior carbon storage capabilities of biodiverse environments compared to monocultures.
Through the garden, the team at Kew hope to highlight the practical actions individuals can take to support carbon sequestration and biodiversity in their own communities. “The Carbon Garden offers a unique opportunity to showcase our ongoing research, combining scientific insight with thoughtful design and beautiful planting to highlight the role of carbon in our lives," says Richard Wilford, head of garden design. "We hope the Carbon Garden inspires visitors to act and join us in shaping a more sustainable, resilient future.”
The Carbon Garden is made possible through funding from Biffa Award via the Landfill Communities Fund, as well as contributions from players of People’s Postcode Lottery and other philanthropic donations.
It will open in July 2025 with access included in the entry price to Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.
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