As winter gives way to spring, Sounds of Blossom returns to London's Kew Gardens, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Once again, the Gardens will be brought to life with new compositions created by composers from the Royal College of Music.

Spring at Kew Gardens is a spectacular season, as trees begin to flower and a kaleidoscope of bulbs including crocuses, daffodils and tulips start to bloom. Amidst Cherry Walk and Asano Avenue, visitors can see clouds of cherry blossom alongside naturalised tulips, set against the backdrop of the iconic Temperate House. Other must-visit locations include the Japanese Landscape, where a great white cherry (Prunus 'Taihaku') grows next to the Gateway. This species was thought to be extinct until the 1920s when an English plant collector, Collingwood Ingram, matched a tree growing in Sussex to a Japanese painting of a white cherry. Princess Walk will also be transformed by the annual spectacle of magnolias in bloom, with a plethora of pastel shades coming to life alongside the soundscapes.

As well as live weekend recitals, a blossom-inspired afternoon tea will also be available in The Botanical Brasserie for the duration of the festival. Pre-booking is recommended, particularly for Mother’s Day and Easter weekend. The Royal College of Music’s internationally respected composition faculty works closely with students to explore what it means to be a composer in today’s society, with distinctive courses such as Composition for Screen. The collaboration with Kew is one example of many links with artistic organisations, film schools, studios and industry professionals across the globe.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is dedicated to harnessing the power of plants and fungi to end the extinction crisis and secure a future for all life on Earth. With Kew’s world-leading research, global partnerships and beloved gardens – home to the world’s most diverse collections of plants and fungi – Kew is using its trusted voice to shape policy and practice worldwide. As a charity, Kew relies on the critical support of its visitors, not only to sustain the gardens, but to protect global plant and fungal biodiversity for the benefit of our planet and humanity.

Sounds of Blossom admission:

• Entry to Sounds of Blossom is included when purchasing a ticket to Kew Gardens.
• The best value tickets can be booked in advance via kew.org
• £1 entry for recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Asylum Applicants with a valid ARC card and Legacy Benefits

Live Weekend Recitals

14th/15th March – Roselle String Quartet Roselle String Quartet

21st/22nd March – Ormonde Wind Quintet

28th/29th March – Cordelia String Quartet Cordelia Quartet

3rd/4th April – Versa Winds

5th/6th April – Levanto Wind Trio Chamber Group