Great Broad Walk Borders

Believed to be the longest herbaceous borders in the country – and possibly in the world – our Great Broad Walk Borders stretch out in a rainbow of colour.

At more than 320 metres, the borders offer an adventure for the senses – with fresh fragrances, dazzling flower beds and feathery grasses in a joyful display that evolves with the seasons.

Originally designed as an impressive promenade to the Palm House, the borders were replanted in 2016. Arranged in themes across eight large circular beds, they showcase a spectacular range of plant families – ideal inspiration for your own garden.

Aerial view of the Great Broad Walk Borders © RBG Kew

A colourful array of flowers in front of trees — The Great Broad Walk Borders at Kew Gardens © RBG Kew

Great Broad Walk Borders with The Orangery in the background

Flowers on the Broad Walk Borders, RBG Kew

Purple flowers on the Great Broad Walk Borders — Flowers, Great Broad Walk Borders

From wonderful cultivars to wild species used in research at Kew, there is plenty to discover along the way. At their finest in summer, there is still plenty of interest in spring and autumn too.

Each of the eight beds has a plant list for you to view. Look out for swathes of the golden yellow Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii, Geranium ‘Orion’, salvias, lilies, and spires of Verbascum and Phlomis.

Kew tip

The borders are a feast for the senses. Take a stroll and try to catch the fresh fragrance wafting from the mint family (Lamiaceae) bed as you pass by aromatic clusters of sage, lavender and catmint.

Mint family beds along the Great Broad Walk Borders

Visiting the Great Broad Walk Borders

The nearest entrance is Victoria Gate.
Please see our opening times to help plan your visit.
We may occasionally need to close attractions for maintenance or visitor safety: check for planned closures and visitor notices before you visit.

Book tickets to the Gardens

The Great Broad Walk Borders opened in 2016 and extended in 2023. The Board of Trustees of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew would like to thank Defra, The Davis Foundation (in memory of their parents), and all other supporters of this garden.

Kew Gardens

Grass Garden

Experience the lustrous beauty of grass in this ever-growing collection.

Grass Garden

Kew Gardens

The Great Broad Walk Borders: beauties bedded in

Part II: Kew horticulturists Maija Ross & Lucy Bell reveal the magic of mulch as they report on progress in the work undertaken by the Broad Walk team.