Society visit to Kew's "secret" greenhouses?

[MatDz]

I have recently saw someone from a UK Carnivorous Plants Society mentioning that that society organised a visit to Kew's private (i.e. not open to public) greenhouses.

As it happens, I know from a certain source that the same private greenhouses host a vast number of succulent plants, which should be of a great interest to our society members.

Did such a visit ever happen, or was it even considered?

[jerryb23]

Norwich branch have organised 2 visits in the past. The first was about 20 ago when one of our members had direct contact with Nigel Taylor (the Curator of Kew at the time) and the second was in 2013 when I believe we just contacted Kew direct.

I think Kew are normally quite accommodating to specialist plant groups so you should be able to organise something and, yes, they do (did) have an extensive collection of cacti, succulents, bromeliads, orchids etc behind the scenes. I particularly remember a large collection of melocacti and the titan lily in flower.

Best time is probably April to June so that gives you a few months to make contact and plan.
Sorry, can't help any more.

[MatDz]

[...]
Best time is probably April to June so that gives you a few months to make contact and plan.

Not necessarily for Mesems or other small "winter" growers, but why not visit twice a year?!

The contract should probably be initiated from some sort of a BCSS official account, I wonder who might be the best bet here.

[jerryb23]

Not sure why you would need "BCSS official account" - I assume you are contemplating a branch visit so just make direct contact on behalf of your branch.

I can't remember if they have many mesembs - best to enquire.

[Mike P]

That was probably me. I have been a few times down the years both with the COS and with Bromley branch of the BCSS. Interesting couple of hours looking over their collections. Suggest the branch secretary makes contact.

[Mike P]

Ps numbers are now limited owing to covid restrictions still being in place within the nursery.

[MatDz]

That was probably me. I have been a few times down the years both with the COS and with Bromley branch of the BCSS. Interesting couple of hours looking over their collections. Suggest the branch secretary makes contact.

That's what I had in mind with the "BCSS official account", anyone really would be better that a random MatDz!

I'll reach out here and there, thank you both!