As people wander down the Kings Road in Chelsea, London, 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 Chelsea Physic Garden through a small gateway on Swan Walk amid a row of parked cars on what looks like an ordinary street. The exit is equally modest, a doorway at the back of the Chelsea Physic Garden’s shop. You soon realize, however, that this garden has been here for a lot longer than many of its neighbours and will remain for some time to come.

A brief history of Chelsea Physic Garden

Chelsea Physic 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) 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 all year and only on certain days of the week.

Botanical art at Chelsea Physic Garden

Chelsea Physic Garden is a treasure trove for botanical artists and is well worth a visit. The garden does offer some botanical courses, which although on the expensive side I am told are rather good.

Alternatively, you can spend a couple of hours, as I did, wandering the garden taking photographs and making sketches. You can also go on one of their free tours of the garden, which is included in the entrance fee.

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Chelsea Physic Garden entrance
The entrance to Chelsea Physic Garden is on Swan Walk just before you get to the River Thames. You have to be looking for it, or you'll miss it.

Sir Hans Sloane statue
A replica of the Sir Hans Sloane statue occupies the centre of Chelsea Physic Garden.

Chelsea Physic Garden gates
A rather bizarre emblem adorns the gate nearest the River Thames.

Scarecrow at the Chelsea Physic Garden
A scarecrow lurks behind some straw bales at the Chelsea Physic Garden

Cashier's checkout till
An old cashier's checkout till acts as an unusual plant container at The Chelsea Physic Garden.

Statue among the plants
Not sure who this guy is, but he looks at home among the plants.

Autumnal display
In October, red berries are abundant in the Chelsea Physic Garden.

Cyclamen
This cyclamen plant is able to grow outdoors in the mild climate of the Chelsea Physic Garden.

Floral display
Chelsea Physic Garden balances an autumnal display of berries with late flowering plants.

Autumnal berries
Striking colored berries are evident throughout Chelsea Physic Garden if you visit in autumn.

Rosehip
This unusual rosehip is a cross breed.

Lavender
Lavender is used for its scent in aromatherapy and is easy to grow in any garden.

Chinese lanterns
This "Chinese lantern" plant produces beautiful orange shapes that look great in a sketch or painting.

Wild flowers
Poppies grown near Fortune's Tank pond in the Chelsea Physic Garden.

Ripe fruits
Ripe fruits hand tantalisingly out of reach when you visit the Chelsea Physic Garden in autumn.

Hothouse plants
This unusual plant can be found in the tropical glasshouse near the Chelsea Physic Garden shop.

Rhubarb
Rhubarb looks great in the garden with is striking foliage (as well as tasting good).