The Chelsea Physic Garden Podcast

Chelsea Physic Garden
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Presented by London's oldest botanic garden, Chelsea Physic Garden, join hosts Jess Regan and Ned Sedgwick as they explore the fascinating world of plants and the impacts they have had on history, culture and society.

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  1. 2. Working in the Garden

    EPISODE 2

    2. Working in the Garden

    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.

    29 min
  2. 3. Hidden Histories

    EPISODE 3

    3. Hidden Histories

    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.

    24 min
  3. Wormcasts | Trailer

    SEASON 3 TRAILER

    Wormcasts | Trailer

    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.

    1 min
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Presented by London's oldest botanic garden, Chelsea Physic Garden, join hosts Jess Regan and Ned Sedgwick as they explore the fascinating world of plants and the impacts they have had on history, culture and society.

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