Chelsea Physic Garden: a GH favourite!

Posted:6 May 2016

Another in our series of features highlighting  just a few of our favourite gardens. Tucked away behind the elegant Chelsea facades of SW3 sits London’s secret garden, the delightful Chelsea Physic Garden, London’s oldest botanic garden.

 

The garden is a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of city life; its walls shelter a unique living collection of around 5,000 different edible, useful, medicinal and historical plants plants essential to the survival and well-being of humankind.

 

The Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 as the Apothecaries’ Garden, with the purpose of training apprentices in identifying plants. By the 1700’s it had initiated an international botanic garden seed exchange system, which continues to this day.

Some years later, Dr. Hans Sloane, after whom the nearby locations of Sloane Square and Sloane Street were named, purchased the Manor of Chelsea from Charles Cheyne. This purchase of about 4 acres was leased to the Society of Apothecaries for £5 a year in perpetuity. How fortunate for us that he did.

 

In 2016 the Chelsea Physic Garden is focusing on Captivating Scents: fresh floral fœtid. This living exhibition will focus on the strongest flower, fruit, seed and leaf scents some used in aromatherapy and perfumery while others are used for their medicinal benefits. There will be a replanting of the perfumery amphitheatre which will focus on plants used to create perfumes and a sweet pea avenue where you can enjoy this summery scent.

 

And don’t forget to eat while you’re there – the Tangerine Dream Café, perfect for alfresco refreshments overlooking the garden! There’s also a small shop and a selection of plants propagated in the garden.

 

Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4HS