The Power of Trees – a visit to Kew Gardens
- Green Fingers
- 11 minutes ago
- 10 min read
I am the most hopeless artist, so when I visited the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art in London’s Kew Gardens, I expected to be unimpressed. Yet somehow, I became spellbound. There was something about the place. Maybe the peace, the precision, the true mastery of watercolour, sketching, and some awe-inspiring photography. Selected members of the Bedgebury Pinetum Florilegium Society, plus a few others, had been hard at work. The gallery is the world’s first dedicated solely to botanical art. Founded in 2008, it is named after Dr Shirley Sherwood, who was what medics call a proper doctor thanks to her DPhil degree.
It took only moments - perhaps because I am receptive - but I rapidly experienced the same feeling I gain when on the hills and mountains of the United Kingdom. Green space, relaxation, problems vanishing, and my mind emptied of dross. Shirley Sherwood had done it, and I got thinking.
The exhibition was remarkable. Artists have long captured the essence of natural environments through sketches and paintings. Woodland scenes characterised by conifers and broadleaf trees create excellent opportunities for artists to portray the botanical features of woodland vegetation in ways a photographer might find challenging.
Artists and Photographers
An artist's approach to Nature, trees and flowers especially, is fundamentally interpretive. While a photographer captures scenes exactly as they appear, they can be constrained by lighting conditions and physical obstructions[i]. Meanwhile, artists enjoy creative latitude. They can selectively emphasise structural and textural characteristics and can employ compositional elements to convey what they deem most significant[ii]. This allows audiences a clearer understanding of woodland features such as needle arrangements, leaf veins, and seasonal colour variations. The result is a profound insight into plant health and environmental conditions[iii] and a real connection with woodland ecology[iv]. As I walked around the botanical exhibition, it was evident that the up to 100 hours each artist had spent undertaking their work contained far more than I had anticipated.
It was not all about conifers, despite the Bedgebury National Pinetum being the largest pinetum in the world. Bedgebury contains roughly 70% conifer but 30% broadleaf, so the latter is also depicted in the exhibition. Some of the colours were remarkable.
Benefits to Visitors
Artwork is not just pictures. It does something almost inexplicable to a viewer, too. I was not alone in feeling the benefits of green space despite attending an indoor exhibition. Research supports this and suggests that exposure to natural imagery indeed promotes mental well-being, in addition to reducing stress and enhancing cognitive function. Artistic representations do not have the visual clutter that can be seen in photographs.
Methods for Effective Artistic Representation
Effective artistic representation of conifers and leaves involves methods that blend scientific observation with creative technique. First, preliminary sketches capture essential botanical features and provide blueprints for later detailed paintings. Techniques such as chiaroscuro - the interplay of light and shadow - effectively enhance three-dimensionality and emphasise spatial relationships that may be lost in flat photographic images[v].
Second, with artists, accurate colour selection and mixing, guided by careful observation, ensure authentic botanical representation. Artists often use colour gradation techniques to depict subtle transitions in leaf pigmentation. These techniques can highlight natural processes such as senescence or photosynthesis[vi].
Observation, Technique, and Creativity
Botanical art is a specialist area. Look, for example, at the works of artists such as Marianne North (1830-1890) or Margaret Mee (1908-1988), both household names in the specialty. North meticulously oil-painted coniferous species, revealing botanical accuracy alongside artistic beauty. Meanwhile, Mee undertook watercolour painting and sketches during Amazonian expeditions and vividly portrayed leaf structures and ecological interactions that were mostly inaccessible to photographers[vii]. Both North and Mee exemplified how careful observation, skilled technique, and interpretive creativity combined to produce images rich in ecological detail and aesthetic appeal. Kew Gardens has now done the same.
Limitations and Strengths
Although photography can capture exact moments or transient phenomena, artistic interpretations appear to excel in communicating ecological significance and structural clarity. Photographs may falter in visually disentangling complex woodland scenes, an advantage held by skilled artists.
As I slowly wandered past walls carrying such expert artistry, I was pondering hard. Conifers, which comprise gymnosperm species such as pines, spruces, firs, and cedars, form a group that is widely ignored and forgotten. Yet the species carries huge possibilities. Think for a moment. The world’s tallest known living tree is Hyperion, a coniferous redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in the USA’s California. It stands at 380.8 feet (116.07 metres) high, although its precise location is kept secret for protection.
Meanwhile, the world’s oldest individual tree is also a conifer. It is a Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) and is known as Methuselah. It is considered around 4856 years old, and is also located in California. In addition, there is a Persian cypress tree (Cupressus sempervirens) in Iran’s Sarv-e Abarkuh, which is thought to be more than 4000 years old. There is a yew tree (Taxus baccata) in Llangernyw of North Wales that is also 4000 years old. Meanwhile, the Fortingall yew in Scotland’s Perthshire competes with Methuselah, as it is supposedly 5000 years old. Putting all to shame and in question, Sweden carries a Norway spruce (Picea abies), Old Tjikko, which some estimate to be 9567 years old. However, Old Tjikko is a clonal tree that has regenerated new trunks, branches and roots over millennia rather than an individual tree of great age. Nevertheless, each of these trees is a conifer, and we must never forget them.
One reason why conifers have historically been regarded with scepticism in comparison with broadleaf trees is that conifers have been predominantly planted in the UK for commercial forestry. They have been criticised for perceived negative impacts on biodiversity, landscape aesthetics, and ecological health. Broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, and birch, conversely, enjoy a generally favourable image, and are associated with richer biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Yet is that actually true?
Conifers through History
The large-scale planting of conifers in the UK emerged strongly in the 20th century, driven by the need for rapid timber production after World War I. Predominantly non-native species such as the Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) and Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) were introduced because of their rapid growth rates, adaptability to harsh upland conditions, and economic viability[viii]. This contributed to conifers being stereotyped as environmentally unfriendly and overshadowed their ecological benefits. Conifers, however, have plenty of advantages. For example:
Environmental Advantages of Conifers
Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change Mitigation
Conifers have significant advantages in carbon sequestration. Because of their rapid growth rates and evergreen nature, species such as Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Sitka spruce capture carbon efficiently throughout the year[ix]. Studies have indicated that coniferous forests can sequester carbon at higher rates than deciduous forests, particularly in the short-to-medium term. This is manifestly desirable for the immediate mitigation of climate change[x]. Internationally, conifer forests cover extensive northern hemisphere areas, particularly boreal forests, which store vast quantities of global carbon stocks. Their protection is essential in global climate regulation[xi]. A boreal forest is also known as a taiga or snow forest and is the world’s largest land biome[xii].
Soil Stabilisation and Hydrological Regulation
Conifers play an important role in stabilising the soil, particularly in upland regions prone to erosion. Their extensive root system effectively anchors soil, reducing surface runoff and erosion, thereby protecting watersheds and downstream habitats[xiii]. International studies corroborate this. For example, conifer plantations in mountainous areas of China significantly reduced landslide occurrences compared with areas cleared for agriculture[xiv]. This said, broadleaf trees generally have more extensive and deeper root systems than conifers. However, in the UK’s Lake District where I live, and where the soil is not always perfect, conifers are more adapted to poorer soils and tend to spread roots more horizontally near the surface.
Economic Sustainability and Renewable Resource Production
Economically, conifers provide essential renewable resources, supporting sustainable construction, paper production, and bioenergy. The productivity of coniferous plantations is essential in reducing reliance on imported timber, thereby reducing the global environmental footprint associated with transportation and deforestation overseas. Conifers tend to grow faster than most broadleaf trees, especially in the early stages of life and in poorer soils. Examples of fast-growing conifers include the Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, and larch (Larix decidua). Slow-growing conifers include the yew and bristlecone pine. Conifers are also shorter-lived (100-300 years) when compared with many broadleaf trees (some 500+ years). Equally, there are some broadleaf trees that grow speedily, including the silver birch (Betula pendula), poplar (Populus spp), and willow (Salix spp). There are also some that have a shorter lifespan, including the silver birch and Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). However, climate and soil make a big difference and species performance varies dramatically with site.
Biodiversity Considerations
A primary concern with conifer plantations is their perceived impact on biodiversity. Single cultures (monocultures) of conifer species have been associated with reduced biodiversity, thus supporting fewer plant and animal species compared with broadleaf woodlands[xv]. However, research increasingly highlights the potential for enhanced biodiversity through strategic plantation design. Mixed-age and mixed-species conifer plantations can offer substantial habitat diversity, attracting species such as red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) and crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) that specifically depend on conifer cones and seeds[xvi]. Broadleaf trees are renowned for their biodiversity benefits, hosting a greater diversity of insects, birds, and mammals. For example, the oak (Quercus robur) supports around 2300 species, far exceeding typical conifers[xvii]. Conifers typically excel in harsh environments that might be unsuitable for many broadleaf species. Because of this, conifers can enhance ecosystem resilience and offer essential habitats in degraded or marginal landscapes[xviii].
Environmental Disadvantages of Conifers
Despite benefits, several environmental concerns surrounding conifer plantations persist. These include:
Acidification and Soil Nutrient Depletion
Conifers, particularly non-native species such as the Sitka spruce, can acidify soils through the decomposition of needle litter. This leads to nutrient leaching and lower soil fertility, adversely affecting the diversity of understorey plants[xix].
Reduced Ground Flora and Associated Wildlife
Dense conifer canopies can significantly reduce light penetration to the forest floor, limiting the diversity of ground flora compared with broadleaf forests. This indirectly affects any fauna that depend on diverse plant communities[xx].
Water Resource Concerns
Conifer plantations, especially evergreen species - larch and swamp cypress (Taxodium distichum) are not evergreen - have higher water interception and evapotranspiration rates than broadleaf species. This can reduce groundwater recharge and compromise water availability downstream[xxi].
Looking to the Future
It is essential to adopt nuanced forestry strategies that embrace both conifers and broadleaf species. The Bedgebury National Pinetum does precisely that. Multi-species and mixed-age plantations should be prioritised, promoting conifer benefits and mitigating concerns about biodiversity. Mixing species and tree types in this way can enhance ecological resilience and functionality.
The answer is obvious. Conifers are ignored at our peril. Oh yes, take an artist with you.
***
Hashtags
#BotanicalArt #KewGardens #TreeConservation #ConifersMatter #EnvironmentalArt #ForestEcology #ClimateAction #NatureTherapy #SustainableForestry #CarbonSequestration #Biodiversity #NatureAndArt #WoodlandWellbeing #EcologicalRestoration #TreesOfTheWorld #ArtAndNature #GreenSpaces #ConservationMatters #BotanicalIllustration #AncientTrees
If you go...
Kew Gardens are at:
51.4787° N, 0.2956° W
Website: https://www.kew.org
Telephone: 020 8332 5655
Email: info@kew.org
The exhibition (The Power of Trees) is at:
Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art
Royal Botanic Gardens
Kew
Richmond
London
TW9 3AE
Entry is via the Victoria Gate.
The exhibition is open 12 April – 14 September 2025; 1000-1700hrs
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest are at:
51.0725° N, 0.4477° E
Telephone: 01580 879820
Email: bedgebury@forestryengland.uk
Address: Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ
References
[i] Berger J. Ways of seeing. Penguin UK; 2008 Sep 25.
[ii] Gombrich EH. A Study in the Psychology of Pictorial Representation. New York: Pantheon Books; 1960.
[iii] Raven PH, Evert RF, Eichhorn SE. Section 6. Physiology of seed plants: 29. Plant nutrition and soils. Biology of Plants (7th ed.). New York: WH Freeman and Company. p. 2005;639.
[iv] Kellert SR. Birthright: People and nature in the modern world. Yale University Press; 2012 Nov 13.
[v] Edwards B. Drawing on the right side of the brain: The definitive. Penguin; 2012 Apr 26.
[vi] Wilcox M. Blue and yellow don't make green. 1994. ISBN 978-0958789196
[vii] Martin R, Thurstan M. Contemporary Botanical Illustration: Challenging Colour and Texture. Anova Books; 2008 Jun 10.
[viii] Oosthoek KJ. Origins and Development of State forestry in the United Kingdom. Managing Northern Europe’s Forests. Histories from the Age of Improvement to the Age of Ecology. New York: Berghahn Books. 2018.
[ix] Morison J, Matthews R, Miller G, Perks M, Randle T, Vanguelova E, White M, Yamulki S. Understanding the carbon and greenhouse gas balance of forests in Britain.Forestry Commission Research Report. Edinburgh: Forestry Commission; 2012.
[x] Cannell MG, Dewar RC. The carbon sink provided by plantation forests and their products in Britain. Forestry: An International Journal of Forest Research. 1995 Jan 1;68(1):35-48.
[xi] Pan Y, Birdsey RA, Fang J, Houghton R, Kauppi PE, Kurz WA, Phillips OL, Shvidenko A, Lewis SL, Canadell JG, Ciais P. A large and persistent carbon sink in the world’s forests. science. 2011 Aug 19;333(6045):988-93.
[xii] Wikipedia. Taiga. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiga. Accessed 14 April 2025.
[xiii] Bathurst JC, Bovolo CI, Cisneros F. Modelling the effect of forest cover on shallow landslides at the river basin scale. Ecological Engineering. 2010 Mar 1;36(3):317-27.
[xiv] Li T. Mountain hazards in China. In Mountain geomorphology 2014 Feb 4 (pp. 219-241). Routledge.
[xv] Fuller RJ, Smith KW, Grice PV, Currie FA, Quine CP. Habitat change and woodland birds in Britain: implications for management and future research. Ibis. 2007 Nov;149:261-8.
[xvi] Humphrey JW. Benefits to biodiversity from developing old-growth conditions in British upland spruce plantations: a review and recommendations. Forestry. 2005 Jan 1;78(1):33-53.
[xvii] Hopkins JJ, Kirby KJ. Ecological change in British broadleaved woodland since 1947. Ibis. 2007 Nov;149:29-40.
[xviii] Pigott CD. The flora and vegetation of Britain: ecology and conservation. New Phytologist. 1984 Sep;98(1):119-28.
[xix] Humphrey JW, Ferris R, Jukes MR, Peace AJ. The potential contribution of conifer plantations to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Botanical Journal of Scotland. 2002 Jan 1;54(1):49-62.
[xx] Quine CP, Humphrey JW. Plantations of exotic tree species in Britain: irrelevant for biodiversity or novel habitat for native species? Biodiversity and Conservation. 2010 May;19:1503-12.
[xxi] Nisbet TR, Thomas H. The role of woodland in flood control: a landscape perspective. In Water and the landscape: The landscape ecology of freshwater ecosystems. Proceedings of the 14th Annual IALE (UK) Conference 2006 Sep 8 (pp. 118-125).
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