Tree tips at Kew

At the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew (Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK; phone 02 8332 5655, visit www.kew.org), in Greater London, two new installations open May 24, 2008.

• At the Rhizotron, an underground display, visitors will enter through a “crack” in the earth and watch a changing LED light mosaic that depicts the interactions between tree roots and soil microorganisms such as fungi. Animated wall displays further carry out the theme.

• Eighteen meters (59 feet) above ground level, the 200-meter-long Xstrata Treetop Walkway winds through Kew’s tree canopy, allowing visitors to get close to birds and other tree dwellers. Educational displays are located at “nodes” along the walkway. 

Entry included with admission to Kew. £13 (near $26) adult, £12 senior. Open daily (except Dec. 24-25) 9:30-5:30.