Step inside the walls of this ancient physic garden, established in 1673 for apothecaries to study the healing properties of plants and take part in a unique and fascinating talk and demonstration.

Join herbologist Maya Jayaweera Thomas for an in-depth exploration of the plants featured in the award-winning film and acclaimed novel Hamnet. From mugwort and heartsease to valerian, this talk delves into the rich symbolism and practical uses of the plants featured in both works, illuminating their role in everyday Elizabethan life and their continued relevance in modern herbal practice.

Blending history, storytelling, and hands-on insight, this session offers a captivating introduction to plant medicine from the 1600s onward, along with practical tips for anyone interested in cultivating their own medicinal herb garden.

About Maya

Maya Jayaweera Thomas is a herbologist, writer, workshop facilitator and creative consultant specialising in plant medicine, food and growing.

Maya’s background is in documentary filmmaking for Channel 4; ITV and the BBC, and script editing. Having left London a decade ago to pursue a life more closely connected to the land, she went on to gain a distinction from The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh in Herbology. Maya then worked with growers, plant medicine practitioners and chefs across the UK. On returning to London Maya’s work has centred on finding innovative ways to connect people with their environments through the stories of plants.

Maya regularly collaborates with Chelsea Physic Garden and Toast, and has worked with the Garden Museum; Soho Farmhouse; Charleston Plant Festival; Rough Trade Books and Bloom Magazine.