Ann
What is your role at Chelsea Physic Garden?
Currently I am helping the Hort team with propagation, having learnt all with the ‘Growing Friends’ for 20 years. I joined the volunteers as a guide, then became the volunteer co-ordinator followed by helping to establish and run the summer and Christmas Fairs, as well as continuing with the guiding.
What makes the Chelsea Physic Garden so special?
Behind the walls there is definitely a feeling of a secret garden with such a huge variety of plant interest for everyone.to explore.
Why did you want to start volunteering at Chelsea Physic Garden?
I had been a nurse so I was intensely interested in the medicinal plants, knowing many of the pharmaceuticals.
To be able to relate them to their source was rewarding and fascinating.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering at Chelsea Physic Garden?
The camaraderie with other volunteers and staff is rewarding and of course watching those propagated plants flourish is so satisfying.
Oliver
What is your role at Chelsea Physic Garden?
As a Horticultural volunteer I work outdoors in the garden on a range of different tasks. I have also been assisting in Plant Records which for botanic gardens is a key responsibility.
What makes Chelsea Physic Garden special?
Chelsea Physic Garden has a fascinating horticultural history, unique setting and continues today in its important role as a botanic garden.
Why did you want to start volunteering at Chelsea Physic Garden?
To better understand how botanic gardens function, gain experience relevant to my horticultural studies and learn more about the history of the garden.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering at Chelsea Physic Garden?
As a walled garden with busy surroundings the garden has a wonderful atmosphere, the team is really friendly and is full of interesting plants.