Pollination trail

Pollination is one of our planet’s most important biological processes.

Pollinators, such as bees, wasps and hoverflies, transfer pollen grains from the male to female parts of plants. As a result, new seeds are produced and the natural world can flourish. Kew Gardens provides a home to many species of pollinators and is a living laboratory of pollination research. 

1 - Kew’s beehives

Kew Gardens is a special place for bees. Outside of heathlands, it is the site with the highest number of bee species in the United Kingdom. Kew’s beehives can normally be found at the back of the Agius Evolution Garden.

Take a wander through the Agius Evolution Garden and look out for the Pollination trail panels to find out about honey bees (Apis species), bumble bees (Bombus species), wasps and more. 

2 - Edible Science: Kew’s Kitchen Garden

There are about 275 different bee species in the UK and over 90 per cent of them are solitary bees.

Solitary bees do not live together in a colony like honey bees (Apis species) and bumble bees (Bombus species). Find the Pollination trail panel in the Kitchen Garden to find out more.

3 - Salvia Border

Along with colour and form, fragrance is an integral part of attracting the right pollinator to a flower.

Kew scientists are using an innovative process to analyse rose scents to identify what attracts bees to them. Look for the Pollination trail panel in the Salvia border along the outside of the Agius Evolution Garden wall to find out more. 

4 - Rock Garden

The stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) begins to flower in early spring and offers a warm refuge to the queen bumble bees that are emerging from their winter hibernation, but what makes them warm? Look for the Pollination trail panel in the Rock Garden to find out. 

5 - Grass Garden

To entice specific pollinators, many flowering plants produce show-stopping blooms and intoxicating scents. In contrast, grasses depend on windblown pollen to ensure pollination. Find the Pollination trail panel in the Grass Garden to discover more.

6 - Along the paths

Trees, plants and changing environments have different impacts on their pollinators. Find the Pollinator trail panels along the paths to learn more.

7 - Princess of Wales Conservatory

Pollination doesn’t just happen during the day, nocturnal pollinators like bats, moths and beetles help pollinate specific plants throughout the night too.  

Find the Pollination trail panels in the Princess of Wales Conservatory to discover how the unique features of the vibrant jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) and giant waterlilies (Victoria amazonica) attract their pollinators. 

8 - The Hive

Finish the Pollination trail at the Hive. A striking installation that recreates life inside a beehive, surrounded by a wildflower meadow. Take your time to read the panels as you circle The Hive before walking into this larger-than-life enclosure where you’ll immediately enter the whirring world of a real beehive at Kew. 

Thank you for visiting today.

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If you would like to hear more pollination stories then head to the Palm House and use your phone to listen to the Pollination Audio Trail.