Darwin evolves into life at RHS Garden Wisley to celebrate National Science and Engineering Week 2008

RHS Garden Wisley is hosting a week-long exhibition on the life and work of Charles Darwin, as part of the 2008 National Science and Engineering Week celebrations, from 10 - 14 March 2008. This free exhibition, entitled Discovering Darwin, takes a look at Darwin the botanist and his relationship to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

150 years ago Darwin unveiled his theory of natural selection to the world's leading scientist at the Linnean Society, in an attempt to explain how species evolved. The following year (1859) he published his work, Origin of Species, which sold 1,250 copies on its first day. This became the foundation for much of today's understanding of how the natural world works, and is arguably the most influential scientific theory to date. This is the first time an exhibition on Darwin has been held simultaneously across all RHS sites - the four RHS gardens (Hyde Hall, Rosemoor, Wisley and Harlow Carr) and the RHS Lindley Library in London.

The exhibition contains key facts about Darwin along with wonderful illustrations from the RHS Lindley Library and a never-before-seen caricature of Darwin, depicting him late in life.

Discovering Darwin is part of a wider programme called Discovering Science at Wisley, featuring information about the work of RHS scientists and a series of free talks. Both the exhibition and talks will be in the Glasshouse Gallery at RHS Garden Wisley from 10 - 14 March 2008. The exhibition is free with normal garden entry.

For more information on the RHS and to see an online version of the Discovering Darwin exhibition (live from 10 March 2008) please visit www.rhs.org.uk