Wicker men invade the woods at Kew Gardens for autumn installation

Kew Gardens is celebrating an Artful Autumn with a series of nature-inspired installations.

The festival includes a room full of 1,000 hanging garlands made from 375,000 preserved plants and flowers.

The treelings, reminiscent of the eponymous Stick Man in Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s children’s book, are by Devon-based sculptor Woody Willow Fox, who said they were a “cross between plants and people practising tai chi,” and that he was inspired by “that joy of walking through the woods in autumn”.

Kew is also holding creative writing courses, yoga and willow weaving. Gina Koutsika, head of visitor programmes, events and exhibitions, said: “Kew will be transformed into a treasure trove of outstanding art works.”