Human Flower Project

Monday, August 04, 2008

Botany à la Cart

A 350-year-old research garden wheels out an innovation in plant education. And now, the public’s invited. Thanks, EarthScholars, for this trip to Chelsea. 

At the Entrance to Chelsea Physic Garden
Photo: EarthScholars™ Research Group

By James H. Wandersee and Renee M. Clary
EarthScholars™ Research Group

There is small and wonderful “secret” walled garden in southwest London within the Royal Borough of Chelsea that no plant enthusiast should miss. This is the Chelsea Physic Garden, founded by the Society of Apothecaries in 1673. Its purpose was to promote the study of botany in relation to medicine, then known as the “physic” or healing arts. Here, apothecaries’ (pharmacists’) apprentices were trained to identify medicinal plants.

This hidden garden is located on a 3.5-acre section of the grounds surrounding Chelsea’s most famous building--the Chelsea Royal Hospital--an elegant building designed by architect Christopher Wren and completed in 1694. Elsewhere on the grounds, the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show (“the ultimate event in the gardening year”) is held each May. 

The average price of a house in Chelsea (reported by the BBC, from 2007 data) is $10,189,471. Here is a “Global Ultra Prime Residential Area,” frequented by Princes William and Harry.  For 300 years, this garden was closed to the public, admitting scientific researchers only. Then, in 1983, due to financial expediency, the garden’s administration was transferred to a new independent charity, and it was decided to admit the public on a limited basis. What a joy! Ordinary folk could finally see behind those high and venerable stone walls.

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