The secret garden in the heart of London

You could be forgiven for not knowing about Chelsea Physic Garden. In fact, the first few times I visited, I would get lost and could be found aimlessly trying to shake the gates of the private communal gardens of Chelsea.

My smiley friend Wendy has recently joined the team at the garden as a marketing guru, so I couldn’t wait to pop down and see how she was settling in to her new home. In fact the day I visited she had been up since 4am, as the BBC had been filming the weather live from the garden. Coupled with my sleepless night in a single bed, in a room with no window (don’t ask!), we both met up bleary-eyed and looking as pale as the snowdrops.

Tucked away beside the Thames, Chelsea Physic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in London. Its walls shelter a unique living collection of around 5,000 different edible, useful, medicinal and historical plants.

I was playfully annoyed that the garden was so far from the tube. But, this was only testament to my laziness, and the paltry 10 minute walk was well worth it! Visiting in the winter didn’t mean the garden was devoid of colour either, I was lucky to straddle the moment between the snowdrop extravaganza and the dwarf iris carnival, so there was plenty to see and enjoy! NEVER neglect winter colour in the garden. There is so much to plant up and indulge in; giving colour, fragrance and architecture.

But, rather than keep telling you about the plants, it’s time I showed some to you! Enjoy your mini tour of the Chelsea Physic Garden, and why not fix up a visit yourself. It’s walking distance from Sloane Square or Victoria station, and is open every day from April to October (plus there’s nice cake).