Botanic Gardens Germinate Interest in Biodiversity

Public perceptions of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, have, historically, been divided. Since the nineteenth century, when the rail network first brought people to the gardens in large numbers, there’s been a debate over Kew’s role. Is it a hub of scientific study, or just a good day out?

Jim Endersby, Professor of the History of Science is a world expert on Joseph Hooker, a traveller and explorer who was Charles Darwin’s closest friend and Director of Kew. By focusing on Hooker’s scientific practices, Endersby’s work highlights why the past and future of botanic gardens have never been more important.

The links between science and the social and cultural contexts in which Kew operated, provide a new perspective on existing collections. Endersby curated an exhibition on Kew’s history — Joseph Hooker: Putting plants in their place — including its role in the British Empire; an empire built on plants. Working closely with Kew’s staff, Endersby helped curators to rethink the meaning of their collections, bringing out their cultural, historical and scientific significance.

As Endersby says: “We take plants for granted and don’t really think about them because they don’t seem to do anything - except sustain life on earth!” Referred to as plant blindness, this indifference to the vital role of plants is becoming a focus for researchers and campaigners, especially as biodiversity loss and climate change become more apparent.