Kew Gardens

In this week’s Songs of Praise, spring is finally in the air! Aled Jones explores the magnificent Kew Gardens in London in the company of one of the nation’s favourite gardeners, Alan Titchmarsh. Alan was a student at Kew 50 years ago and shows Aled one of the rarest plants in the world that was under his care. Thankfully it is still thriving! He also shares memories of presenting Songs of Praise in the 1980s and 1990s and reflects on finding God in nature.

Aled also discovers the groundbreaking scientific work happening at Kew, which houses specimens of 96% of the world’s plants. Botanist Dr Olwen Grace explains how the research behind the scenes at Kew could help tackle the effects of climate change. Aled also meets Christian chef Susanne Kirlew, better known as Kirly Sue, who follows a plant-based diet and specialises in vegan recipes. With Aled’s help she makes vegan cup cakes and explains how, for her, Christian faith and food go hand in hand.

Sean Fletcher discovers how apps and podcasts are helping Christians to read the whole Bible in one year, we have hymns and songs from across the UK, and for St David’s Day we have a very special performance from one of Wales’s finest voices, Sir Bryn Terfel.

Music:
Morning Has Broken – Port Sunlight
All Things Bright and Beautiful – St John the Baptist, Tideswell
O Praise the Name - Aberystwyth Arts Centre
O Give Thanks Unto the Lord - Reddish
Hymn To St David - St David’s Cathedral
Trees - Bryn Terfel
Lord Of All Hopefulness - Southwark Cathedral