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Welcome to Chelsea Physic Garden, an independent charity committed to the conservation and demonstration of plants used by mankind.

Situated in the heart of London, Chelsea Physic Garden has a unique living collection of around 5,000 different edible, useful, medicinal and historical plants. This ‘hidden gem’ is also a peaceful green oasis in which to enjoy a relaxing stroll with an award-winning Café and a Book & Gift Shop.

London’s oldest botanic garden, Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries for the purpose of training apprentices in identifying plants. It subsequently became one of the most important centres of botany and plant exchange in the world.

The Garden’s warm microclimate means that many tender plants can flourish including a number of rare and endangered species. It has the largest outdoor fruiting olive tree in Britain and the world’s most northerly outdoor grapefruit tree. From pomegranates to gingkos, mulberries to eucalyptus, there are over 100 different types of tree in the Garden, many of which are rare in Britain. In the glasshouses there is a collection of tropical and sub-tropical species and a Victorian Cool Fernery.

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Something New at London’s Oldest Botanic Garden…

Chelsea Physic Garden is creating an inspiring new half-acre garden opening to the public on 23 May 2012.

The Garden of Edible and Useful Plants will display an extraordinary range of plant species on which humanity depends; from forest fruits and land restoration plants to superfoods and plants used for hygiene, science and the arts. The new garden will showcase a diverse collection of productive and functional plants, incorporating both the beautiful and bizarre.

The design, which features a series of interlinked spaces, is inspired by 18th century potagers and Chelsea Physic Garden’s historic layout. Raised beds house the plant displays and their explanatory information panels, while other areas are dedicated to teaching and secluded seating spaces.

Exciting new features include a compact vineyard, a living plant amphitheatre and a stone pier to view Robert Fortune’s tank pond. The garden is bound together with traditional clay paving bricks and green oak arches which lead visitors through the plantings.

The new garden aims to bring people closer to the plants which are inextricably woven into our everyday lives.

Garden Design: Nick Bailey (Head Gardener CPG)
Construction: Martin Le Morvan, Mark Pateman, Kate Wilkinson and the CPG team
Illustrations: Alyson Hamilton

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Latest Developments

Head Gardener, Nick Bailey talks about the Edible and Useful Plant Gardens currently under development at CPG.

 

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