Kew kicks off a year of celebrations for the International Year of Biodiversity with a riot of colour at its Tropical Extravaganza 2010. Escape the cold and wet by entering the vibrant, balmy world of orchids in the Princess of Wales Conservatory and Waterlily House.

From delicate creams to shocking pinks and vivid reds, colourful flowers cascade from every surface. Tunnels and arches dripping with orchids and bromeliads show the variety of shapes of these exotic flowers, including spirals and shell shapes. A sculptural island display celebrates the stunning range of orchid colours, patterns and shapes.

Orchids represent 10 per cent of the world’s flowering plants and belong to the largest family. There are currently around 25,000 species but this number is growing as up to 200 new species are discovered each year.

There are also displays in the Waterlily House about the important work Kew undertakes in recording and conserving plants all over the world, especially in biodiversity hotspots such as Madagascar, Brazil and Thailand.

Every day there will be roving volunteer guides on hand to ask more, and on Wednesdays and Sundays they will answer questions about displays of tropical foods. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, visitors will be able to sign up for behind the scenes tours of the nurseries to find out how the orchids are grown and cared for.

Running from 6 February until 7 March, find out more about visiting the Tropical Extravanga 2010.