Yesterday Pete and I took a trip to Kew Gardens. Our primary reason for going was so that I could visit the special “Social Life of Plants” event at the Jodrell Laboratory. It was an event all about economic botany – useful plants.
James Wong was there, as was Gordon Hillman. I didn’t say hello to them, but I did have a quick chat with the lovely Emma Townshend, who was helping out with the organisation.
One of Gordon’s colleagues persuaded me to try some wild food – Common Sorrel (which is familiar as I have sorrel growing in the garden) and Sea Purslane. The former is very sour; the latter is very salty, as it is a coastal plant.
And Dr. Simon Platten from the University of Kent was showing off the diversity of French Bean seeds – this one is Nun’s Bellybutton. He is researching the diversity of plants in British gardens and allotments.
Afterwards we spent some time wandering around Kew – have a look at some photos of waterfalls, glasshouses, spring bulbs and giant compost heaps.