Join us for a hands-on workshop celebrating the fragrant world of geraniums and pelargoniums — plants with rich histories in herbal medicine, natural perfumery, and culinary use.

Geraniums and pelargoniums have a special place at Chelsea Physic Garden. Some of our earliest pelargoniums were grown here in the 1700s, and the Garden played a key role in clarifying the botanical differences between the two genera. Although often mistaken for the same plant, they were officially recognised as distinct in the 1990s, thanks to research carried out on-site by Professor Mary Gibby, supported by Victoria Nightingale’s impressive collection. While geraniums originate from cooler climates, pelargoniums thrive in temperate and tropical regions and are best known for their aromatic leaves and diversity of scent.

There’s a huge variety in the aromas they produce — from rose and peppermint to citrus and even cola — a result of careful hybridisation. These essential oils likely evolved to deter pests, but over time, people have found countless creative and sensory uses for them.

In this workshop, you’ll learn more about the plants’ traditional and contemporary uses, then create three botanical products to take home:

• a geranium-leaf infused sugar, useful in both the kitchen and for skincare

• a beauty oil rollerball, using geranium essential oil and nourishing plant oils

• a scented salt soak, blended with dried geranium leaves, flowers, and essential oils

Whether you’re drawn to herbalism, natural products, or simply enjoy sensory, hands-on learning, this workshop offers a chance to connect with these plants in a creative and meaningful way.

Please note: This workshop takes place in our upstairs Gallery space, which unfortunately is not wheelchair accessible.

Tutor bio:

Tanya Moulding (TIDHA, MIFPA, CNHC) 

Tanya is a practising clinical aromatherapist, aromachologist, botanical perfumer and teacher. Outside of her part-time NHS role in Oncology & Palliative care, Tanya creates olfaction and blending workshops, delivers conceptual fragrance ideas and sensory learning activities for special events, museums and public spaces and has taught historical perfumery at many English Heritage sites and local museums.

Website: www.theperfumemistress.com