The gardens house extensive botanic collections (conserved plants, living plants and documents) that have been considerably enriched through the centuries. The landscape design of Kew Botanic Gardens, their buildings and plant collections combine to form a unique testimony to developments in garden art and botanical science that were subsequently diffused around the world. AuthenticitySince their creation in the 18th century Kew Gardens have remained faithful to their initial purpose with botanists continuing to collect specimens and exchange expertise internationally. Protection and management requirementsThe property includes the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew, Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte's Cottage, which are the hereditary property of Queen Elizabeth II and are managed for conservation purposes by the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew and Historic Royal Palaces. Implementation of the Management Plan is coordinated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.