London's oasis of peace was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, one of the City Guilds. Its purpose was to study the therapeutic uses of plants and train apprentice apothecaries to identify them correctly, making a vital contribution to medical history. There are many historic specimens and rare plants, including a rock garden dating from 1773. A Garden of World Medicine shows the use of plants by indigenous peoples.
International Conservation In the Seventeenth Century
In 1682, the Director of the Garden, John Watts, initiated a plant and seed exchange with Dr. Paul Hermann of the Leiden University Botanic garden. The system soon spread, and is an important source of international knowledge and a safeguard for biodiversity. The Garden maintains a seed list and exchanges seeds with almost 400 other Botanic Gardens and Universities in 37 countries.
The Florilegium Society - Plants as Art
This is a relatively new initiative, formed in 1995 to record the Garden's plants in paintings and drawings. With over 5,000 plants listed, it is a huge undertaking. Members submit work for consideration to a highly qualified panel and only works which are absolutely accurate, as well as beautiful, are included in the archive. A Botanical Illustration course is offered and members' works have been exhibited in the USA and Europe. All work is donated for the benefit of the Garden, and booklets including examples can be purchased there.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Many animals, birds and insects can be found in the Garden. Birds include beloved natives like the wren, robin, thrush and blackbird, plus herons, ducks and woodpeckers. Rarer visitors include kingfishers and goldcrests. Nest boxes encourage birds to breed. Foxes, squirrels, bats and mice live there. Ladybirds and butterflies abound in summer, and insects including spectacular stag beetles up to four inches long can be seen. There are two ponds with snails, dragonflies, fish, frogs, toads and newts.
Visiting the Garden
The Garden is open from 1 April - 30 October, from 12 noon - 5 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 12 noon - 6 p.m. on Sunday. In July and August it stays open until 10 p.m. on Wednesdays, and is a perfect destination for a romantic date - or even a proposal. There is a café and shop, and tours are available by arrangement. The Garden welcomes those with disabilities, call +44 (0) 20 7352 5646 to discuss specific needs and book a wheelchair if required.
The informative website has regularly updated details. The admission charge is currently £8 for adults, £5 concessions. Companions for disabled visitors are admitted free. Assistance dogs are admitted.
The Garden closes during winter but Friends of the Garden can visit on weekdays throughout the year. Membership costs £20 a year and includes admission to exclusive events and lectures, free entry to other gardens, and newsletters. Friends may also bring two family members into the Garden free of charge.
The Garden also holds two fundraising Fairs in summer and winter, with family activities such as face painting, storytelling and treasure hunts, and stalls for homemade foods, crafts and plants.
Travelling to the Garden
The Garden is at 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS, about ten minutes' walk from Sloane Square Underground station. Bus 170 stops outside the garden, and 11, 14, 19, 22, 49, 137, 211 and 349 stop nearby.
The Garden is part of London's Museums of Health and Medicine, a group of 22 museums formed in 1991 to place the history and development of medicine and healthcare in its widest context.
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