Finding Inspiration in Kew Gardens: Behind the scenes of my botanical garden art prints
- This Wild Soul
- Jan 31
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 3
What can I say? I adore Kew Gardens... it's been a little sanctuary of peace for me for years… just a 30 minute drive from mine and it's somewhere I like to retreat to on sunny days, or take friends visiting the UK or London. Sometimes I'll run a little watercolour picnic & paint with friends or for my mum who's in her 70s (literally her favourite way to catch up with me). Kew Gardens has long been a source of inspiration for artists, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a moment of calm and creativity within the city. My time spent at Kew has resulted in a little collection of art that captures the essence of this lovely location. Each print tells a little story, reflecting the unique blend of natural beauty and Victorian escapism that defines Kew Gardens. In this post, I'll share how Kew inspired these art pieces and how you can bring a touch of it into your own space for an uplifting botanical atmosphere.
Mum and I enjoying a little watercolour sesh in the Princess of Wales Conservatory last summer:
The Unique Charm of Kew:
Kew Gardens is a living museum of plants from around the world. Established in the 18th century, it’s grown into one of the most important botanical gardens globally -housing over 50,000 living plants and operating the Millenium Seed Bank in Wakehurst - the largest and most diverse seed bank in the world (housing over 2.4 billion seeds from 40,000+ species!). So what makes Kew Gardens special is a combination of it's scientific research, conservation efforts, and it's beautiful gardens for the public to enjoy. Walking through its paths, you encounter rare species, beautifully designed landscapes, and iconic structures like Palm House and Temperate House.
This blend of science and art creates a rich environment that sparks creativity. The gardens offer endless subjects for art - from delicate orchids to towering trees, from intricate leaf patterns to Victorian, oriental and modern architecture. The diversity and detail found here provide a perfect palette for artists and photographers alike.
I adore being outside, surrounded by nature. When I first visited Kew Gardens, I was struck by the sheer size and variety. The gardens feel like a living canvas, constantly changing with the seasons, each time I visit I seem to notice something different I haven't spotted before. As many are, I'm particularly drawn to the architectural beauty of the glasshouses, with their elegant ironwork and curved glass, offering a striking contrast to the organic forms of the plants inside. -By focusing on these elements, my illustrations aim to bring a slice of timeless Kew Gardens’ magic into everyday life. Whether displayed in a living room, office, or studio they're designed to be uplifting, and to bring a that peaceful botanical garden energy into whatever room they're placed in.
How to bring a little slice of Kew gardens into your home:
Whether you're a Londoner, or visitor, art prints of Kew are the ideal timeless keepsake to remind you of your day or days out in Kew, inspired by the botanical gardens, they can transform your space with a nod to nature and good times. Here are some ideas on how to use them effectively:
Use as a focal point: A large illustration of Palm House can become the centrepiece of a room.
Create a botanical corner: A Kew Gardens print on the wall, paired with a few indoor plants can build a small green sanctuary in your home which uplifts every time you step into that room.
Gift inspiration: These prints make thoughtful gifts for friends and family who appreciate nature and art, or perhaps live near to Kew and enjoy visiting.
This particular collection also works well in professional spaces, such as waiting rooms or creative studios, where a touch of British botanical art based on a well known iconic location, can help people relax, reduce stress and boost creativity.
The Artistic Process Behind my Kew Gardens arT collection:
1) Exploration: Each time I go and enjoy Kew, I take the time to notice little details and compositions that stand out.
2) Photographing and sketching: Capturing images and making quick drawings and notes to preserve ideas.
3) Selection: Choosing compositions that conveyed the vibe I'm aiming for.
5) Refinement: Tonal adjustment of colours and light, sometimes combining elements to create a balanced composition.
4) The final illustration: hand drawing each leaf and detail and adding layers of light and shadow - this step can take 15 - 35 hours depending how detailed the composition is.
5) Final tweaks: Checking colour balance and contrast before sending the artwork to print on museum quality fine art archival paper.
Why would art inspired by Kew gardens be a great addition to your space?
In a world where digital screens dominate, having tangible art that connects us to nature is valuable. Botanical gardens inspired work serves as a:
A daily reminder of nature: Encouraging mindfulness and appreciation for the natural world.
A source of calm and inspiration: Viewing natural scenes can reduce stress and stimulate creativity.
A celebration of biodiversity: Highlighting the importance of plant conservation and environmental awareness.
A personal connection: For those who have visited Kew Gardens, these prints evoke positive memories and emotions tied to the experience.
Owning art isn't just about decoration, it’s about bringing meaning and inspiration into our surroundings.
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