Kew’s Carbon Garden: The stunning exhibit revealing nature’s climate secrets

Kew Gardens, one of the world’s most renowned botanical sites, is unveiling a groundbreaking new attraction this summer: the Carbon Garden. This immersive, permanent garden is designed to highlight the crucial role of carbon in nature, showcasing its impact on ecosystems and climate change. Featuring a dramatic plant display inspired by the famous climate stripes, a striking fungal pavilion, and interactive elements, the Carbon Garden is set to be a must-visit for nature lovers and climate-conscious visitors alike.

Why the Carbon Garden matters

Every year, Kew Gardens welcomes around 2.5 million visitors, making it a powerful platform for environmental awareness. While carbon is often associated with pollution and climate change, the Carbon Garden tells a broader story—one that acknowledges carbon’s fundamental role in sustaining life. Visitors will witness a living illustration of global warming through plant arrangements that mirror the rise in Earth’s temperatures. Additionally, an exposed coal seam will reveal fossilised plants, a rare opportunity to see carbon in its ancient, stored form beneath the Earth’s surface.

Sustainable design and climate adaptation

Kew Gardens

A key highlight of the Carbon Garden is its central pavilion, designed by Mizzi Studio. Inspired by the symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi, this eco-friendly structure is built with low-carbon, natural materials and serves as an educational hub for schools and community events. The garden also features a rain garden and bioswale, designed to manage stormwater runoff, reduce flooding, and improve soil stability. On the flip side, a dry garden showcases drought-resistant Mediterranean plants, offering a glimpse into the possible future of London’s landscapes as temperatures continue to rise.

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From garden to global change: How Kew inspires climate action

With the Carbon Garden, Kew Gardens aims to inspire visitors to take action in the fight against climate change. The garden’s 26 newly planted climate-resilient trees, wildflower meadows, and biodiversity-boosting habitats demonstrate how sustainable planting can help capture carbon and restore ecological balance. As climate change intensifies, initiatives like this offer hope—proving that nature itself holds the key to a greener, more resilient future.