YES! I love going to spaces that remind me how integral plants are to everything. PLANTS ARE EVERYTHING! And it's funny you mention the dandelion tea – i had a cup last night. I don't know if it does anything but I do like the flavor.
Dan, I saved this post for my Sunday morning read over a cup of tea, having first tiptoed round my frosty tulips.
And I’m so glad I did! Fabulous way to start the day. I studied garden design at the school based in the Physic Garden - pretty extraordinary to wander out in a lunch break into an actual living Herbal.
Funny that I just happened to be thinking about the Chelsea Physic Garden yesterday, seemingly at random. I'm American, but I lived in the UK for decades. I often wonder why Americans visit so few of the truly interesting places in London or the rest of the UK. While it's not as scenic as, say, Kew, the Chelsea Physic Garden is definitely on my shortlist of garden-related places to visit around London. Well worth a visit.
It’s not just your fellow Americans who neglect the truly interesting places - I’ve lived in london basically my entire life and I’d never been to Chelsea Physic Garden until my visit this week! I’m also dying to know which other garden-related London destinations are on your list!
If I had to pick one place, it would be the tiny Duck Island Cottage Garden on the edge of St James' Park. I first visited London in 1987, and I've seen that place change a lot over the decades. The last time I went, which was probably around 2019, there was a charming little garden surrounding the bird-keeper's cottage there. I'm a sucker for pelicans, so that's the other draw of that particular spot! The Phoenix Garden in the West End is another tiny, hidden gem that I'm fond of, although I'll admit that it's been years since I've visited it. I found their website and it looks like it's doing well.
Great tips, thank you for sharing! I used to work around the corner from The Phoenix Garden and spent many a lunchtime there, though I also haven’t been in a few years and it looks as though it’s changed somewhat since my last visit. As for the Duck Island Cottage Garden, I’m not sure I’ve been, or if I have then it was before my interest in gardens took hold. It’s straight onto the list
I don't know if I can post a link here, but the London Gardens Trust manages the site, and they have a page detailing the history of the cottage and its gardens. It really has come a long way since I first saw this little cottage over 30 years ago. https://www.londongardenstrust.org/features/dicframe.htm
Will follow the friendly worm’s advice and visit the garden in May. This time I will experience it differently. So much more than a beautiful garden! Thank you Earthworm!
YES! I love going to spaces that remind me how integral plants are to everything. PLANTS ARE EVERYTHING! And it's funny you mention the dandelion tea – i had a cup last night. I don't know if it does anything but I do like the flavor.
Well there’s a lot to be said for drinking it simply for enjoyment’s sake! Nice way to make use of all those “weeds” too.
Dan, I saved this post for my Sunday morning read over a cup of tea, having first tiptoed round my frosty tulips.
And I’m so glad I did! Fabulous way to start the day. I studied garden design at the school based in the Physic Garden - pretty extraordinary to wander out in a lunch break into an actual living Herbal.
Thanks for a brilliant start to the day! Jo x
What an incredible classroom! And a brilliant introduction to some of those more unusual plants and varieties. Jealous!
Funny that I just happened to be thinking about the Chelsea Physic Garden yesterday, seemingly at random. I'm American, but I lived in the UK for decades. I often wonder why Americans visit so few of the truly interesting places in London or the rest of the UK. While it's not as scenic as, say, Kew, the Chelsea Physic Garden is definitely on my shortlist of garden-related places to visit around London. Well worth a visit.
It’s not just your fellow Americans who neglect the truly interesting places - I’ve lived in london basically my entire life and I’d never been to Chelsea Physic Garden until my visit this week! I’m also dying to know which other garden-related London destinations are on your list!
If I had to pick one place, it would be the tiny Duck Island Cottage Garden on the edge of St James' Park. I first visited London in 1987, and I've seen that place change a lot over the decades. The last time I went, which was probably around 2019, there was a charming little garden surrounding the bird-keeper's cottage there. I'm a sucker for pelicans, so that's the other draw of that particular spot! The Phoenix Garden in the West End is another tiny, hidden gem that I'm fond of, although I'll admit that it's been years since I've visited it. I found their website and it looks like it's doing well.
Great tips, thank you for sharing! I used to work around the corner from The Phoenix Garden and spent many a lunchtime there, though I also haven’t been in a few years and it looks as though it’s changed somewhat since my last visit. As for the Duck Island Cottage Garden, I’m not sure I’ve been, or if I have then it was before my interest in gardens took hold. It’s straight onto the list
I don't know if I can post a link here, but the London Gardens Trust manages the site, and they have a page detailing the history of the cottage and its gardens. It really has come a long way since I first saw this little cottage over 30 years ago. https://www.londongardenstrust.org/features/dicframe.htm
Wow what a fascinating history. (The link works!)
Will follow the friendly worm’s advice and visit the garden in May. This time I will experience it differently. So much more than a beautiful garden! Thank you Earthworm!
Enjoy your visit - and do let me know what you make of it, once you've been!