Plants Have Secrets: Digital Youth Project

What is the project?
As part of the Chelsea Physic Garden’s Plants Have Secrets Project, up to 12 young people will produce two podcast episodes that feature on Chelsea Physic Garden’s podcast! The episodes will reveal the secrets behind plants, unravel the truths that lay beneath classic myths about plants, challenge people’s perceptions and educate people through fun and engaging material. The young people will develop skills in presentation, storytelling and audio production as well as a new developed understanding of plants and the natural world.

When is the project happening?
The project will happen between 21 – 25 August 2023. The project will last for 5 days with each day starting at 11am and ending at 4pm.

Please note that GCSE results are released on Thursday 23 August. We will continue with activities this day.

Where is the project happening?
The project will happen at two locations. At Chelsea Physic Garden (SW3 4HS) on Monday to Thursday and at Rebel Business School (W9 3RU) on Friday.
You will need to be able to travel to both places.

Who will I learn from?
The project will be led by the learning team at Chelsea Physic Garden and staff at Octavia Foundation. Also supporting the team will be Ned Sedgewick, host of BBC comedy podcast GrownUpLand, and Jess Regan, stage and screen actor, both hosts of Chelsea Physic Garden podcast.

Who can apply?
To apply you must be:
–  Aged between 13 and 19 years old.
–  At school, college or university or taking part in an apprenticeship.

Is food provided?
Food and drink will be provided.

Do I need equipment?
All the equipment that you need will be provided.

Is travel paid for?
We will pay you back for your travel costs after the project has ended – please keep your receipts or provide copies of expenses. If you can’t pay for the travel in this way, let us know and we can make a plan together.

How do I apply?
To apply, fill out the form below. If you are under 18 you will need to get a parent or legal guardian to fill out the form with you. Applications close at 9:00 on 31 July.

What will I be doing during the project?
From the very start you will work closely with other participants and work on communication and presentation skills. You will explore the Garden with an experienced gardener. You will learn about podcast production, take on a role and get involved with research, script writing, interviewing, filming, special effects creation and/or performing. You will be working with other participants to create the podcasts.

Will I be outdoors all day at Chelsea Physic Garden?
No. You will spend time both indoors and outdoors. Be prepared and dress for the weather.

When will I know if my application was successful?
You will be contacted if you’ve been successful by 2 August. If we are oversubscribed you may be put on a waiting list in case anybody drops out.

I have a question. Who can I contact?
Please contact  or 0207 349 6474/0207 352 5646 for enquiries.