An explosion of colour catapults into Kew Gardens this month as they celebrate Spring with a Brazilian wilderness. Kew's 21st annual Orchids festival fills the Princess of Wales Conservatory, creating a sensory journey through striking flora and tropical plants of Brazil during Carnival season.

We gently weave our way though the delicate hanging orchids before passing under a tunnel of rich colour and foliage. The steamy atmosphere of the conservatory welcomes us on a cool February day. Figures slowly emerge from the pond, dressed in vibrant and flamboyant costumes of Brazilian carnival dancers.

Experts at Kew provide valuable insight into the spectacular glasshouse and beautiful plants on display, talking us through Kew's longstanding connection with Brazil through their science, horticulture and art archives. Elisa Biondi, display horticulturalist, says "With 2016 being the year of Brazil, we wanted to capture the essence of this incredible country, taking visitors on a journey through its biomes while showing the range of conservation and science work that Kew is doing in South America." 

With so much to see don't miss the Kew Lates, this Thursday and the 3rd March from 6pm - 9:30pm for an intimate evening of cocktails, talks and samba performances amongst the carnival colours in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.