CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN

The Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673, as the Apothecaries’ Garden, with the purpose of training apprentices in identifying plants. The location was chosen as the proximity to the river created a warmer microclimate allowing the survival of many non-native plants – such as the largest outdoor fruiting olive tree in Britain – and more importantly, to allow plants to survive harsh British winters.  


 



The river was also important as a transport route that linked the garden to other open spaces such as Putney Heath, facilitating easy movements of both plants and botanists. In fact the garden has always sought to achieve good communications with others working in the same field: by the 1700’s it had initiated an international botanic garden seed exchange system, which continues to this day.




Some years later, Dr. Hans Sloane, after whom the nearby locations of Sloane Square and Sloane Street were named, purchased the Manor of Chelsea from Charles Cheyne. This purchase of about 4 acres was leased to the Society of Apothecaries for £5 a year in perpetuity. 



Environments for supporting different types of plants were built, including the pond rock garden, constructed from a variety of rock types, namely stones from the Tower of London, Icelandic lava (brought to the garden by Sir Joseph Banks in 1772 on a ship named St. Lawrence), fused bricks and flint. This curious structure has been listed Grade II* and is the oldest rock garden in England on view to the public. It was completed on 16th August 1773. 



In 1848 Robert Fortune used Wardian cases, which are rather like miniature greenhouses, to transport seedlings of Camellia sinensis (tea) from China leading to the establishment of the tea industry in India. 



In 1876 the Garden enlarged its educational aspirations by deciding to run a lecture course for young women who were training as botany teachers. At the end of the 19th century the trustees of the City Parochial Foundation agreed to take over the running of the Garden from the Society of Apothecaries. In 1983 The Garden became a registered charity and open to the general public for the first time. 



The Chelsea Physic Garden has developed a major role in public education focusing on the renewed interest in natural medicine. The Garden of World Medicine which is Britain’s first garden of ethnobotany (or the study of the botany of different ethnic groups and indigenous peoples) is laid out together with a new Pharmaceutical Garden. 

Main Season – Garden, Cafe and Shop open

25 March to 31 October 2016 (please note that on 8 June the Garden will close at 5pm for a private event)
Tuesdays to Fridays, Sundays & Bank Holidays, 11am-6pm (the Café closes at 5pm).

Price*	Type
£10.50	Adults (including senior citizens)
£6.95	Students, registered unemployed and children (5-15 years old)
FREE	children under 5 years

ROOF GARDEN

After the success of the 150th anniversary celebrations last year, John Lewis has reopened the roof space of its Oxford Street branch for 2015. The temporary space is a tranquil escape from the busy street below, with 1000 hand-planted plants, shrubs, trees and grasses, as well as bamboo and pittosporum shelters. Each week the space hosts four different pop-up shops housed within cute little beach huts, with a variety of brands showcasing their goods. Regular food features include a Joe & the Juice bar, serving juices and smoothies, and Rossopomodoro, offering a menu of Italian food, ice cream and cocktails.   

  27 May - 4 September 2016 

Background Bars will be creating mouth-watering cocktails made from herbs that have been grown in the rooftop garden and freshly picked each day. Throughout June you can expect seasonal takes on classic British tipples such as, Sunday Tonic, homemade tonic bitters and much more.

OPENING TIMES

Mon - Tues: 12 noon - 8pm
Weds: 12 noon - 4pm
Thurs - Sat: 12 noon-10pm
Sun: 12 noon-8pm

 



Visit The Potting Shed coffee bar for hot and cold drinks to enjoy in the garden throughout the afternoon


Serving mouthwatering dishes in a relaxed environment, enjoy seasonal British ingredients delicately interwoven into meals that are beautifully presented on crafted rustic plates. Team grilled meat or a warm salad of new potatoes with a smooth craft beer for the perfect dining experience.


 
Coming soon 28th June to 31 July

Seafood Shack

B O B'S LOBSTER

With a host of ‘best of’ awards under their belt B.O.B’s Lobster is not only for lobster fanatics. They’re passionate about making seafood accessible, affordable and fun for everyone, so come along and tuck in.




Roof Top Yoga Classes

by Fat Buddha Yoga

Rise and shine yoga sessions
Every Thursday morning this summer you can catch Fat Buddha Yoga on the rooftop.
Start your mornings overlooking the city from the rooftop garden as you take part in a fluid and energising rise and shine Vinyasa Flow session.

Classes are suitable for complete beginners to pros. Come along and wake up, breathe deeply, stretch, stand tall, de-stress and leave with a heap of zen.
Classes run every Thursday, 7.30 – 8.30am, £10 

In case of rain, the session will be cancelled at 6am on the morning of the class. You’ll receive a notification email and an automatic refund if you’ve booked online.
How to book: Places are limited so we recommend you book online at Fat Buddha Yoga (opens in a new window). Alternatively, you can drop in on the day and pay cash