The Chelsea Physic Garden Podcast

 The WHO estimates around 70% of the world's population uses plant medicine as their primary form of medicine. In this episode we explore how plants and gardens can support our health and wellbeing, highlighting the importance of green spaces in cities for healthy urban living. Plants featured in this episode include the Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), and the Monk Fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii).   Maya Jayaweera Thomas is a herbologist specialising in plant medicine, as well as a trained chef and market garden grower. Her work centres on finding innovative ways to connect people with their environments through the stories of plants. Ian Dew is an alumnus of Help us Grow, Chelsea Physic Garden's flagship social and therapeutic programme, with teachings on basic gardening as well as the healing power of plants. Louisa Mansfield is the program manager of Future Gardeners, a horticultural training scheme delivered by the Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST).  Hassan Aziz is a trainee gardener at Chelsea Physic Garden, and an alumni of Future Gardeners.

In this episode, we explore approaches to science and plant medicines beyond Western European contexts, where botanic gardens would have played an integral role. We also explore the origins and historical associations of Botanic Gardens, including Gardens of Paradise and Monastic Gardens. This episode features the pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its many associations, and the Canon of Medicine by Ibn Sina (c. 980–1037 AD).   Molly Marsh is the Visitor Experience Manager at Chelsea Physic Garden and has expertise in the medical humanities. Maya Jayaweera Thomas is a herbologist specialising in plant medicine, as well as a trained chef and market garden grower. Her work centres on finding innovative ways to connect people with their environments through the stories of plants.

In this episode, we explore the many careers within horticulture, and how schemes such as Future Gardeners by Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) can help people get their foot in the door. We also discuss the legacies of colonialism in labour and knowledge production from botanical spaces. This episode features the dye plants Woad (Isatis tinctoria), Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) and its complex history, as well as Sir Hans Sloane, whose statue can be found in the centre of Chelsea Physic Garden.   Max Levy is the Volunteer Manager at Chelsea Physic Garden and has expertise in heritage studies and the history of heritage sites. Louisa Mansfield is the program manager of Future Gardeners, a horticultural training scheme delivered by the Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST). Hassan Aziz is a trainee gardener at Chelsea Physic Garden, and an alumni of Future Gardeners. Mary McLeod is a volunteer guide at Chelsea Physic Garden. She enjoys sharing the lesser-known stories about plants, showing how plants have helped shape our societies. Please note that parts of this episode contain reference to slavery.

In this episode, we explore plants that play with mimicry and disguise, showcasing nature's wit and wonder. We also discuss how plants were used to trick others. This episode spotlights Elizabeth Blackwell, a botanical illustrator of the 1700s who played an integral role in the accurate and comprehensive identification of plants. Plants featured in this episode include: (i)   Corydalis cheilanthifolia a.k.a. the False Fern,  (ii)   Titan arum a.k.a. the Corpse Flower, (iii) Phytolacca americana a.k.a. Pokeweed, (iv) Myrrhis odorata a.k.a. Sweet Cicely and (v) Conium maculatum a.k.a. Hemlock.   Molly Marsh is the Visitor Experience Manager at Chelsea Physic Garden and has expertise in the medical humanities. John Constable is the Glass House Manager and gardener at Chelsea Physic Garden. He is an alumni of Future Gardeners, a horticultural training scheme delivered by the Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST). Mary McLeod is a volunteer guide at Chelsea Physic Garden. She enjoys sharing the lesser-known stories about plants, showing how plants have helped shape our societies. Please note that parts of this episode contain reference to racialised violence, slavery, kidnapping and suicide.   Find out more about Future Gardeners: https://bost.org.uk/future-gardeners

Wormcasts is coming January 2026.  Wormcasts is a podcast from Chelsea Physic Garden, created by the Young Producers – a group of 16 – 24 year olds working to engage more young people with the garden. This series explores the global histories of botanic gardens, deceptive plants, working in the garden, and plants in the context of health and wellbeing. Wormcasts are the microbially rich and fertile clumps of soil that worms leave next to their burrows as they forage for food. The Young Producers hope you enjoy the arisings that come from this little patch of green in South West London. This series was collaboratively produced by the Young Producers at Chelsea Physic Garden (Hwei-Linn Khoo, Amelie Rossati, Zachary Sukonkin and Tymon Zgorzelski), coordinated by Richard Choksey. The lead producer is Jelena Sofronijevic. Editing and Sound Design by Tymon Zgorzelski. The Young Producers are funded by generous charitable donations by the Garden's supporters.  

In August 2023, seven young people took part in Chelsea Physic Garden's third and final Plants Have Secrets digital youth project. The group made a podcast episode to feature on Chelsea Physic Garden's main podcast. The participants learned about plants that are featured in our historic glasshouses, following their restoration in 2023. Some participants were inspired by plants elsewhere in the Garden. The young people worked in small teams to produce podcast segments that were put together by Ned Sedgwick, the producer and one of the hosts of Chelsea Physic Garden's podcast. They were passionate about their chosen subjects. They created insightful and engaging content to listen to. After hearing the podcast episode, you may see the featured plants in a completely different light. Subjects covered were plants from the Andes, the Opium Wars, privilege and gardening, chocolate and the symbology of plants.

In the final chapter of our mini-series celebrating 350 years of Chelsea Physic Garden, hosts Jessica and Ned gaze into the future! Explore with them how a quirk of history safeguards Chelsea Physic Garden in an ever-changing world, and witness how the Garden protects nature from some of its greatest scourges—from climate change to goats! Presented by London's oldest botanic garden, Chelsea Physic Garden, Jessica Regan and Ned Sedgwick, guide you through three episodes about the captivating world of plants and their profound impact on the past, present and future.

Delve deeper into the green wonders of Chelsea Physic Garden in 'Unlocking our collections', the second episode of our three-part series marking 350 years of plant science. Join hosts Ned Sedgwick and Jessica Regan as they seek to discover some of the secrets of the Garden's history. From its origins in 1673, to the recent reopening of  our historic Glasshouses, no fern will be left unturned!  Presented by London's oldest botanic garden, Chelsea Physic Garden, Ned and Jessica will guide you through three episodes about the captivating world of plants and their profound impact on the past, present and future.

Welcome to 'Horticulture for humankind', the first instalment of a three-part mini-series celebrating 350 years of Chelsea Physic Garden. Join hosts Jessica Regan and Ned Sedgwick as they embark on a journey into the some of the epoch-changing plants that have shaped our world which can be found in the Garden. From the ancient papyrus to the history of tea, this episode delves into famous and lesser-known plants that have become integral to our lives.  Presented by London's oldest botanic garden, Chelsea Physic Garden, your hosts Ned and Jessica explore the fascinating world of plants and their importance to humankind. 

The final of our three-part mini-series in partnership with Belvoir Farm, hosts, Jessica and Ned, explore all things Oranges. They discuss, its significance in different cultures from a medicinal and culinary perspective as well as getting a chance to chat to Leanne from Belvoir Farm behind the scenes in their factory.  Presented by London's oldest botanic garden, Chelsea Physic Garden, join hosts Jessica Regan and Ned Sedgwick as they explore the fascinating world of plants and the impacts they have had on history, culture and society. Chelsea Physic Garden has partnered with Belvoir Farm to celebrate their botanical sodas range. A range of three, nature-inspired sodas including Floral Fizz, Bitter Orange Spritz and Spicy Ginger Fizz. Bringing something deliciously different to your usual mixer.