Garden releases commemorative anniversary coin

12:44 15th May 2009

London's Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is set to mark its 250th birthday by releasing a commemorative coin.

The site, which features a treetop walkway, is selling collectors' editions made of gold, silver and cupro-nickel via its gift shop or the Royal Mint.

However, a general circulation version will be introduced later in the year, the gardens announced.

Designed by renowned artist Christopher le Brun, the coin features Kew's iconic Chinese pagoda - something the artist explained is an instantly-recognisable image of the attraction.

"I had the idea early on that plants should twine around and grow up through the tower, which I felt helped create a circling movement full of vitality," he said.

The designer added the image shows man and nature's dependence on each other.

Completed in 1762, the pagoda was built as a surprise for Princess Augusta - mother of King George III.

Horticulturalists visiting Kew next week may also wish to check out the gardens and greenhouses at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place from May 19th.