The rock is Sussex sandstone, which retains moisture and allows a wide range of species to be cultivated.

The Rock Garden was originally built to house a donation of 3,000 alpine plants, one of the largest collections in the country at the time.

Kew Palace, originally known as the Dutch House, was built by a Dutch merchant in 1631. It is not run by Kew Gardens but by Historic Royal Palaces and requires a separate entrance fee.

It is a short way north of the Princess of Wales Conservatory.

The Rose Pergola is in the area, immediately south of the Davies Alpine House, known as the Order Beds and takes four months of pruning every year.

Following this path will lead you to the Temple of Aeolus.

The Temple of Aeolus was built in the 18th century but by 1845 the temple had fallen into a 'ruinous state' and was rebuilt in stone. It can be accessed via a bark path from the Woodland Garden. The flower beds in the foreground are part of the Order Beds.