How to fill a sketchbook: a visit to Chelsea Physic Garden

As people wander down the Kings Road in Chelsea catching up on some retail therapy, I doubt that many of them know of this little oasis just a short walk away. The Chelsea Physic Garden has such a modest entrance that unless you know about it, it remains hidden, seeming more like a secret walled garden rather than a tourist attraction. You enter through a small gateway on Swan Walk amidst a row of parked cars on what looks like an ordinary street (and the exit is equally modest, a doorway at the back of its small shop where you expect Mr Ben* to appear at any moment). You soon realise however, that this garden has been here for a lot longer than many of its more pretentious neighbours and will remain for some time to come.

*Mr Ben for those too young to know was a kid's TV programme, involving a shop, a child who has an adventure in the changing room and a shopkeeper (Mr Ben).

Short history of the garden

The garden began back in the depths of time in 1673 when the Society of Apothecaries of London wanted a garden to teach their apprentices about medicinal plants. Its location near the River Thames made it ideal for reaching it by boat and its special microclimate allowed the cultivation of tender plants.

Eventually Dr Hans Sloane (a statue of him occupies the centre of the garden, see right) took over the freehold and ensured that its future was secured. His name lives on in Sloane Square. The garden did go into decline for a number of years and was closed to the public. Today it can be visited once more, but check opening times as it is not open everyday.

Botanical art

The garden does offer some botanical art courses, which although on the expensive side I am told are rather good. They also offer free tours included in the entrance fee.

Alternatively, you can spend a couple of hours as I did, wandering the garden taking photographs and making sketches. Here is a selection of some of them.