Index Seminum

The Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 by The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries. By 1682, it was well established and the Director, John Watts, invited Dr. Paul Hermann of the Leiden University Botanic Garden Holland to visit the Garden. The idea of a plant and seed exchange between the two Botanic Gardens was formulated and John Watts visited Leiden early in 1683 taking plants and seeds with him.

Such exchanges of plant material have continued until the present day, enabling Botanic Gardens all over the world to introduce new plants to their countries and to maintain interesting and diverse collections within their grounds.

The Chelsea Physic Garden seed list as we know it now was first produced in 1901 when the City Parochial Foundation took over the management of the Garden. In 1983 the Garden was placed in the care of a group of trustees under the Chairmanship of Dr. David Jamison, and the Society of Apothecaries continues to sponsor the Garden's annual seed list.

The seed exchange now operates between the Chelsea Physic Garden and approximately 368 other Botanic Gardens and universities in 37 different countries.

Seed exchange available to Botanic Gardens and other institutions as part of the Exchange Programme. For further information, contact [email protected]

Index Seminum 2017

Seeds collected in 2017 from open-pollinated plants grown in Chelsea Physic Garden. Information on the incorrect determination of seeds supplied will be appreciated. Seed collection and distribution by the Garden staff and volunteersRead more

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Pub Quiz with a Difference

Why does your gin and tonic glow in the dark? Which country drinks the most wine? What is Cenosillicaphobia? Come and find out at the ‘Beverages, Bubbles and Brews Pub Quiz with a difference’ at the Chelsea Physic Garden on Tuesday 15th May 2018. Scientists, chefs and gardeners will tax your team’s food and drink knowledge. Food will be by Tom Kerridge’s new catering company ‘Lush’ (the team behind the two Michelin starred restaurant The Hand and Flowers in Marlow).
Niwaki Film Night

Renowned topiary pruning specialist Jake Hobson and his Niwaki team present three short films, beautifully shot and edited by young film maker Soeda Koehei. This event includes a glass of wine and the chance to see the Garden after hours.
Supper talk: The Social History of the Pub

It could be argued that the history of Britain’s relationship with drink mirrors the evolution of the nation, interwoven with themes from colonial and imperial history, industrialisation and social change. After a broad overview of this longer history, the talk will concentrate on the changing fortunes of the pub from the end of the eighteenth century to the middle of the twentieth, examining the reasons for its evolving uses, character and form.
The Lettering Arts Trust presents An Elixir of Letters at Chelsea Physic Garden (Talk and Tour)

In ‘Journey of an Apprentice’, artist Tom Sargeant talks to Karoline Newman about how carving is in his DNA, the tradition of letter carving and the invaluable support provided by a Lettering Arts Trust apprenticeship that enabled a fledgling artist to flourish.