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Adult Learning
Courses and lectures
Be inspired at London’s Oldest Botanic Garden…
Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries for the study of useful plants. Throughout the 1700s the Garden was one of the most important centres for botany and plant exchange in the world.
Today the Garden is known as London’s oldest outdoor classroom and we are pleased to offer a range of events and workshops to engage learners of all ages. The following courses are particularly suitable for adults. We also run Family Activity Days and a successful schools programme.
Due to the current economic uncertainties the Garden has decided
to run a substantially reduced adult education programme in 2012.
We look forward to reinstating a full adult education programme when
resources allow.
To book: Pre-booking is essential. Please fill in the booking
form (PDF/48Kb) and return it with your course fee. Or you can
book by phone with a credit or debit card on 020 7349 6471. More
booking details.
At a
glance calendar for 2012 Additionally, a selection of other courses and educational events will be taking place during our February 2012 Snowdrop Open Days |
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February |
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| Wed 8th | Painting Snowdrops at the Garden | £25 |
| Wed 8th | Compost Clinic | |
| Thurs 9th | Introduction to Beekeeping | £95 |
March |
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| Wed 21st | Wild About the Garden | £30 |
| Wed 28th | Compost Clinic | £25 |
April |
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| Thurs 12th | Introduction to Beekeeping | £95 |
May |
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| Wed 9th | Compost Clinic |
£25 |
| Thurs 10th | Introduction to Beekeeping | £95 |
June |
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| Thurs 14th | Introduction to Beekeeping | £95 |
| Wed 27th | Compost Clinic |
£25 |
August |
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| Wed 15th | Compost Clinic | £25 |
September |
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| Thurs 20th | Introduction to Beekeeping | £95 |
| Wed 26th | Compost Clinic | £25 |
October |
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| Thurs 18th | Introduction to Beekeeping | £95 |
About the Garden
Painting Snowdrops at the Garden - A one-day course with
botanical artist Gillian Barlow
Learn to draw and paint in watercolours to portray the subtle beauty
of these much loved midwinter plants.
Wed 8th Feb - 10am- 4pm. £105
Compost clinic with
Michael Holland
We lift the lid on the fascinating world of compost and teach
you how to make the ultimate ‘black gold’. Produce great
compost and reduce what you throw away. Learn how to improve the quality
of your soil through simple but easy processes to enable your plants
to flourish.
Weds 8 Feb, 28 March, 9 May, 27June, 15 Aug, 26 Sept, 14 Nov,
10am – 12.30pm. £25
Wild About the Garden with ecologist Michael Holland
Discover the rich and varied wildlife of Chelsea Physic Garden.
This will be an overview of our garden's 'Who's Who' and a practical
guided walk including tips on attracting and spotting wildlife and
a chance to investigate our aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Wed 21 March, 10am-1.30pm. £30
Introduction to Beekeeping with Peter James
A practical one day course giving you an insight into beekeeping and
the equipment needed to get started. You will learn more about bees
and the honey production process, along with how to create the right
environment for them to thrive. This course takes you through the
key steps to becoming a successful beekeeper. You will have plenty
of opportunity for discussion and to ask questions.
Thursdays 9th February, 12th April, 10th May, 14th June, 20th September,
18th October, 10am - 4pm. £95
A selection of other courses and educational events will be taking place during our February Snowdrop Open Days
How to book:
Pre-booking is essential. Please fill in the booking
form (PDF/48Kb) and return it with your course fee.
Or you can book by phone with a credit/debit card on 020 7349 6471
Payment and cancellation
Please pay your course fee in full at least two weeks prior to the
course taking place. For last minute availability we recommend that
you call first to check whether space is still available. Cheques
should be made payable to ‘Chelsea Physic Garden’ or you
can pay by credit card by calling our booking line 020 7349 6471.
We are unable to offer refunds on bookings but we may be able to transfer your course fee to another person or to another date. Please call our office for further advice if required. In case of unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to cancel a course in which case you will be given a full refund or the option to transfer to another date.
Booking confirmation and course information
You will receive a course programme shortly after booking along with
joining information and any course requirements. Your course confirmation
will entitle you to a 10% discount in our shop on the day (N.B. depending
on our staffing situation the shop may only be open at certain times
but you will be advised of the times on the day).
Please note
If for a reason beyond our control one of our tutors or gardeners
is unable to lead a course at short notice, we reserve the right to
work with an alternative tutor with appropriate experience.
Catering
Tea & coffee will be provided on all courses. You are welcome
to bring a packed lunch to have in the Garden or to book a table in
our café (N.B. the café is currently only open on public
open days of Tues to Fri). There are also plenty of shops and cafés
locally should you wish to eat out. Your course confirmation will
entitle you to a 10% discount in our café on the day. Details
of how to make a priority café reservation will be provided
when you book.
Materials
Most course materials are included in your fee unless otherwise specified
in the brochure or joining letter. Please bring your own notebook
and pen to record notes. You will need to bring your own camera for
the photography course. Please also wear appropriate clothing and
footwear for any work or walks in the Garden.
Disabled access
Please contact us if you have specific access requirements and we
will do our best to assist.