Botanica Fantastica

THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW is a world-famous scientific organisation, holding an unrivalled position for its outstanding collections of plants and fungi, artefacts and art, world-class Herbarium as well as its expertise in plant diversity, conservation and sustainable development. From its beginnings as a small physic garden in 1759 it has grown to become a top international visitor attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kew’s 132 hectares of stunning landscaped gardens and iconic glasshouses make it one of the world’s best-loved gardens, a paradise for plant lovers, offering a wealth of ideas and inspiration to all.

Alison Flood (Author)

Alison Flood is New Scientist’s comment and culture editor. She was previously books writer for The Guardian. She judged the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction in 2024, chairs the British Book Awards’ Crime and Thriller Book of the Year award and has also judged the Costa first novel award and the Orwell prize for political fiction. She has contributed essays and forewords for titles including Poor Souls’ Light, a collection of stories inspired by Robert Aickman, and Literary Landscapes. She writes a monthly round-up of the best new science fiction for New Scientist, and also runs the New Scientist Book Club. She lives in London, UK.

Emma Tudor-Bloch (Illustrator)

Emma Tudor-Bloch was previously the print Designer and Head of Textiles for Zandra Rhodes. Emma has designed prints for Paul Smith, Cath Kidston, Valentino and Liberty London. She is now an illustrator based in Edinburgh, UK.