5110 x 3407 px | 43,3 x 28,8 cm | 17 x 11,4 inches | 300dpi
Date de la prise de vue:
16 juillet 2006
Lieu:
Kew Gardens, London
Informations supplémentaires:
The renowned Kew collection of alpines is now housed in a strikingly innovative Alpine House, which opened in March 2006 at the north end of the Rock Garden, which itself has its own fine collection of alpines and bulbs. Alpine houses allow alpines to be grown in places with significantly different conditions from those they would experience in their native habitats. In the wild, alpines spend the winter dormant, dry and protected from the desiccating effect of cold winds by a blanket of snow. Spring in alpine climates arrives rapidly, with melting snow providing moisture for growth. A short growing season means that plants have to grow quickly, taking advantage of the brief period of moisture and intense light. Seasonal changes in alpine climates are abrupt. Horticultural alpines also benefit from the protection of an alpine house. The rainfall in their natural environment may vary significantly from the conditions in Britain. The protection from frost afforded by a house further extends the range of plants that can be grown and high temperatures can be avoided by shading, ventilation and other devices. Britain's weather conditions are considerably different, being defined by fluctuating temperatures and humidity. In an alpine house, shading, air movement and additional light can all be provided. Most importantly, where plants are grown in a protected environment, the amount of water they receive can be controlled, giving them the cultural conditions they need to thrive.
