Ever wondered why flowers are so colourful, or why they smell so good? The first ever Kew Gardens' Lates offer an insight into the world of plants — aided along by a gin or two.
The after-hours, adults-only events begin this week, offering Londoners a refuge from the cold in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. And tying in with the current Alluring Orchids festival, there's a chance to browse the colourful display of orchids, bromeliads and other tropical flowers, illuminated in the dark. You can also take part in art and scent workshops or have a go at botanical illustration.
Kew's experts will be on hand to offer short talks, designed to make you look at your house plants in a different way, and the Gin Garden pop-up bar will be creating gin-based cocktails with a botanical twist.
Kew Lates take place on 19 and 26 February and 2 March from 6.30pm. Tickets are £12 and need to be prebooked.
Also on at Kew at the moment is the International Garden Photographer of the year exhibition.