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My object is a rather scarce old book called the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew by W.J.Bean, published in 1908. This was given to me by the uncle of a boyfriend I used to go out with in the sixth form at school.

We'd reached that exciting age when everything was about to change. He was off to university and I was due to start working in horticulture for a year prior to taking up my place on the three year Kew Diploma course.

I was thrilled by the prospect of studying at Kew and still treasure the book, which seemed to represent all that lay ahead. Today, the role of Kew is as strong as ever. They are the guardians of plants and knowledge that could be vital when it comes to future sources of food, medicines and fuel.