CHAPTER VIII 
RHODODENDRONS, AZALEAS, BAMBOOS 
Rhododen- 
dron Dell. 
Surrounded by fine trees, and planted almost exclusively with the 
most beautiful genus of hardy evergreens, the winding valley now 
called the Rhododendron Dell is one of the beauty- 
spots of Kew. When the rhododendrons are in flower 
in May and June, it is, in conjunction with the Azalea 
Garden close by, the most popular resort in the gardens. Even in 
midwinter, the charming disposition of the ground, the rich greenery 
of the plants, and the abundant shelter render a walk in this part 
of Kew very pleasant, for here the keenest north-easter loses much 
of its sting. It is only since Kew became a public institution that 
this dell has been devoted to rhododendrons. . Its use for this group 
of shrubs was initiated by Sir William Hooker, but the area occupied 
by them has gradually increased. Many new varieties have been 
planted, and at the present time these rhododendrons form by far 
the finest collection in any public garden of any country in the 
world. 
As will have been gathered from the historical portion of this 
work, the Rhododendron Dell is situated in what were the Rich- 
mond Gardens of the eighteenth century. It did 
not exist in those gardens during the time of Queen 
Caroline or George II., but was one of the very 
many extensive alterations carried out soon after the accession of 
George III. It was designed by “ Capability ” Brown, and local 
tradition has it that the actual work was done by the Staffordshire 
Militia. Two gravelled walks — one leading from the lawn in front 
of Kew Palace to the Rhododendron Dell, the other starting from 
the north entrance to the dell and leading towards the Sion Vista — 
are also believed to have been made by the same body of men. 
The former is known as the Princess’s Walk, and the name of the 
latter — the “Stafford ” Walk — still recalls those far-off days and the 
104 
The “ Hollow 
Walk.” 
