Chelsea Physic Garden

London's oldest botanic garden has often punched above it's weight. Founded in 1673 Chelsea Physic Garden covers four acres of land on the Chelsea bank of the River Thames. First established by the Worshipful Society Apothecaries in order to grow medicinal plants often brought back from around the world, its international reputation was cemented with the global seed exchange scheme, known as Index Seminum, which it initiated in the 1700s and continues to this day. This is a unique living collection of around 5,000 different edible, useful and medicinal plants including a cinchona tree (the source of anti-malaria drug quinine which is still used in tonic water) and the UK's largest fruiting olive tree. It's an important garden in terms of botany and science, but also a garden that gives gardeners ideas for their own spaces. Tours open the garden to visitors and are free. From the headache tree to tales of Hans Sloane himself, this is a special oasis that should be visited by every gardener. Visit their website to find out more....