Physic healing
I went to the Chelsea Physic Garden last week in need of healing. A little physic healing of the non-industrial kind. I was realistic in my expectations of the visual healing I might get in the height of winter at the Chelsea Physic Garden. It was not designed to be evergreen, but to hold edible, medicinal, useful and historical plants of all types from across the globe. The 348 year-old garden has survived through the ages, and had seen wars and monarchs come and go. That of itself, means a lot to me. Durability, endurance, resilience - all words that resonate with me at this moment in my life. All in Chelsea, London.
‘‘I was going mad
Scouring the book of my mind I told myself that the journey was essential
The very promise of my first glimpse of snowdrop drifts in fresh snow would be surely consequential
To my sanity, in a positive way, and, one might argue, perhaps less importantly, to my vanity
Having shut myself away for days on end, and, so unlike me, even resorting to the odd burst of mild, I stress, profanity
The ‘bag lady’ indoors had to go, she had outstayed her welcome so
A wash, change of clothes, and my fierce ‘Lola’ hair on, she retreated, and I was ready for the marathon
I’m on my way to Chelsea!’’
Walking some of the distance, armed to the nines with sanitiser, two KN95 masks, a scarf and full face shield, I selfishly, some might say, slowly, and determinedly made my way in the hope of getting the physic relief my soul knew it needed. I had been in effective isolation for weeks on end. The garden was open for use, and I was sold a ticket.
Thank GOD!
Snowdrops (Galanthus) and other plants in the garden …
Much of the garden looked somewhat forlorn - it was winter, after all. Still, there was much plant life to be seen. Hope for a ravaged mind. The evergreens were wonderfully evergreen, and deciduous woody vines formed interesting stark frameworks against tree trunks and branches. Best of all, even though the main show was coming to an end, I was blessed to see some late snowdrops on parts of the the garden’s celebrated ‘Heralding Spring Trail. That’s what inspired my visit in the first place. Up until this visit, I hadn’t seen any 2021 snowdrops at all, due to the lockdown. These were my first ones, and they were good to see. Most were in drifts of brown mulch, with a few spots of snow, as opposed to drifts, but lovely nonetheless. So many different species and varieties!
Snowdrops
with bright yellow Eranthus, a traditional combination
I smiled when I came upon these snowdrops in the video below. At one point I was blessed with a slight gush of wind that set a few bowed white heads nodding!
What struck me most was the sight of the magnificent remaining original King James 1 mulberry tree, Truly special. I felt privileged to see and touch it. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a picture of it. I meant to indulge on my way out but it simply got too cold and I fled the garden, forgetting the all-important picture, I’ll be back!
Archway to heaven!
After the mulberry tree, what stood out to me was this clematis vine growing over an arch.
Clematis unicata
I got a ‘going through the fluffy gates of heaven’ feeling, walking under this arch laden with fully dried and ready to disperse Clematis flower seeds.
You can see the inviting green of clumps of bamboo through the arch, in an area called the ’Garden of Useful Plants’
Just take a look at the beautiful outcome of the flowering process of this vine. So delicate and light. Nature is so smart.
Intricate, delicate and beautiful …
The evergreens
I marvelled at two evergreens amongst others, which stood out in great splendour, adding vibrant green to the winter-weathered scene. These were a large Rosa x odorata ‘Bengal Crimson’ shrub and a gloriously soaring palm called Phoenix canariensis.
Rosa x odorata ‘Bengal Crimson’
I saw this unique perpetual flowerer for the first time. The flowers are magenta to crimson. Apparently, there is no day of the year that there is not at least one bloom on the shrub.
Phoenix canariensis
Also called the Canary Island Date Palm. It is actually not tolerant of temperatures below 1-5C. Very healthy looking indeed. Must be the special microclimate.
Vanity vs. ‘Bag Lady’
The small matter of vanity and my inner ‘bag lady’ was also addressed during my visit. Looking good is good (for the soul, even), but I feel that my inner ‘bag lady’ also got some reinforcement. She’s OK as long as she behaves and serves a more positive purpose than negative, like these plant shelters I saw in the gardens. Dull and grey, on show for all to see, they are protecting precious tender plants from the ravages of winter. I’ve taken notes on how to protect my plants better. I like the way they’ve done it.
Not their best look …
But very necessary if they are to look their best when their time comes!
I got a further reminder on the point on mitigating the risk of hazards of any kind in my life and the importance of safe environments came from the design and location of the garden. There was plenty of frost, and some snow to be seen when I visited. Some plants looked ravaged - temporarily, I know. Notwithstanding, I believe that the garden and the more tender plants within it benefit from having a warmer microclimate, being situated in the middle of the built up area, with all that concrete and tarmac holding heat. The high brick walls that enclose the garden also have a warming and sheltering effect.
The garden also has glasshouses containing exotic plants. Without this protection, the plants would die. Unfortunately, they were all closed to the public during my visit. Another reason to return!
A little worse for wear, but the contraption is doing an important job.
Pots of colour!
I though it was nice to have dashes of colour in pots to cheer parts of the garden up. Here we have seasonal Iris reticulata ‘Alida’, Iris reticulata ‘Harmony’, Iris reticulata ‘Catherine’s Gold’ and Narcissus ‘Casual Elegance’. Nice!
Finally, I got a rather large reminder to remember to eat healthily!
Well, you know what they say about keeping the doctor away …
‘‘The bitter cold caused me to run home too early
But I’m glad I made it - in parts the garden was ‘other-worldly’
I will return in spring and summer D.V.
So I can take in the goodness of this gem in its fullest glory’’
