AS the coldness of winter subsides and the warmth and promise of spring emerges, Kew Gardens is flooded with colours and scents to excite the senses - as two and a half million bulbs burst into flower and create the perfect place to spoil mothers and entertain the family this Mother's Day and Easter.

The crocus carpet begins the awakening followed by swathes of golden daffodils and the white and pink blossoms of Kew's cherry trees, magnolias and camellias around the Gardens, and to celebrate the coming of Spring the Gardens has a number of activities planned.

On Mother's Day, Sunday March 21, in addition to the bright spring bulbs and blossoms, Kew introduces for the first time and an extra special treat with a Mother's Day Lunch in the historic Kew Gardens Gallery. Drinks are served on arrival followed by a three-course lunch in an idyllic setting that opens on to the secluded Dukes Garden. Sittings are at 11.45am for 12pm and 2pm for 2.15pm. Price is £35 per person, including entry to the Gardens and a small gift. Advance bookings only - call 020 8332 5686.

Easter activities take place from April 3-18: The cuddly stars of Miller's Ark Animal Farm will return to Kew this Easter, where there will be miniature donkeys, Shetland ponies, chicks, baby rabbits and guinea pigs waiting to be stroked, groomed and bottle-fed by visitors. Storytellers will weave magical tales of spring folklore in daily sessions. On Easter Sunday and Monday (April 11 and 12) the annual Easter chocolate hunt takes place supported by Kraft Foods. For the first time, visitors can book a special Easter Lunch at Kew Gardens Gallery. A traditional carvery lunch will be served in the elegant setting, priced at £25 (£12.50 for children under 12) including entry to the Gardens. Advanced bookings only - call 020 8332 5686.

Being in Place', an exhibition of landscape paintings by Judith Cain, will take place between March 20 and May 9. Artist Judith Cain presents twenty large scale paintings inspired by her travels in Europe and Central Asia.

Her contemporary style is said to convey the overwhelming beauty of the natural landscape and wild flora.