The Hive At Kew Gardens

The Hive, a striking 55-foot-high aluminum structure at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, was designed to highlight the global decline in bee populations. Before entering the immersive installation, visitors pass through a vibrant wildflower meadow, created by our sister company, Wildflower Turf Ltd, at the request of Tony Kirkham, Head of Arboretum and Horticultural Services at Kew. The meadow not only enhances the visual appeal of the space but also delivers an important message about the critical role of biodiversity and pollinators in sustaining ecosystems.

To create this half-acre wildflower meadow surrounding The Hive, Wildflower Turf Ltd used a mix of their Wildflower Sod varieties. The custom blend included a wide variety of both UK native and non-native perennial wildflowers, carefully selected to boost biodiversity and ensure year-round color and interest. The planting aimed to create a dynamic habitat that would thrive in Kew’s landscape, adding both ecological and aesthetic value to the installation.

In October 2016, at the end of the growing season, the wildflowers were cut back in preparation for winter. This key maintenance step was crucial to allow the meadow to regenerate effectively for the following year. By spring 2017, the meadow was in full bloom once again, captivating visitors with its vibrant display.

The Hive, along with its surrounding wildflower meadow, has been a major success at Kew Gardens, contributing to a 40% rise in visitor numbers. The project also received significant recognition, winning the 'Design for a Temporary Landscape' award at the 2016 Landscape Institute Awards. The combination of innovative design and ecological awareness captured public attention, raising awareness about the importance of bees and their vital role in maintaining global biodiversity.