Information from the Chelsea Physic Garden about their Snowdrop Events in 2014: Snowdrop Days 2014: a midwinter celebration in the Garden accompanied by walks, talks & workshops with Naomi Slade, Germaine Greer, Joe Sharman and more Snowdrop extravaganza at Chelsea Physic Garden
Photos Charlie Hopkinson
London’s oldest botanic garden opens its doors for nine days in February to celebrate that harbinger of spring – the Snowdrop. Explore the Garden’s diverse collection of these diminutive delights with swathes in full bloom in our woodland, rock garden and to be viewed up close in our snowdrop theatre. Delve deeper into the garden and discover a host of other winter floral treats bursting with scent and colour.
Germaine Greer
There will be much to learn and enjoy from expert tours, talks and workshops including Germaine Greer talking about her latest book, White Beech: The Rainforest Years, ‘Aphrodisiacs from plants’ illustrated talk on Valentine’s Day by Prof. Peter Houghton and Using Snowdrops in the Garden, talk by Naomi Slade, award-winning horticultural journalist and show garden designer.
Naomi Slade
In addition, Physic Garden expert guides and gardeners will be providing tours while our Growing Friends volunteer team hosts a marquee packed to the gunnels with snowdrops and many other winter blooming plants, on sale from specialist nurseries.
The Garden’s renowned Tangerine Dream Café will be serving a delicious brunch and warming lunches, mulled wine and other winter treats.
Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 February 2014, 10am–4pm
Admission: £9.90: adults
£6.60: students (with student cards); children 5-15 years
Free to Friends of the Garden
Maximum of two under 16s admitted per adult.
The programme of special walks, talks and workshops, most free with admission, includes:
The Wonderful World of Snowdrops
Lecture and Garden tour with renowned specialist Joe Sharman of Monksilver Nursery
Saturday 8 February, 10.30am & 2pm
Free with admission.
Plants for a winter garden
Garden tour led by Senior Chelsea Physic Gardener
Sunday 9 February, 11.30am & 2.30pm
Free with admission.
Winter Garden Safari
Michael Holland, Head of Education, Chelsea Physic Garden
Learn how animals and plants adapt themselves and cope with winter in the garden and glasshouses on this Garden tour.
Monday 10 February, 11am & 2pm
Free with admission.
Using Snowdrops in the Garden
Talk by award-winning horticultural journalist and show garden designer Naomi Slade
Tuesday 11 February, 2pm
Free with admission
An evening with Germaine Greer
Join celebrated author and broadcaster, Germaine Greer, who will talk about her latest book, White Beech: The Rainforest Years (published by Bloomsbury on 30 January 2014), and take questions from the audience.
Wednesday 12 February, 6-8.30pm
£15pp incl. glass of wine, plus £5 off book purchase for this night only.
Call 020 7349 6471 to book.
Nick Bailey’s Best in Snow
Garden tour with the Head Gardener
Wednesday 12 February, 11am & 2pm
Free with admission.
Painting Snowdrops
One-day course with Gillian Barlow, botanical artist and member of Chelsea Physic Garden Florilegium Society
Learn to draw and paint in watercolours to portray the subtle beauty of these much- loved midwinter plants.
Thursday 13 February, 10am–4pm
Cost £105 pp. Call 020 7349 6471 to book.
Aphrodisiacs from plants: the superstition and the science
Professor Peter Houghton, Emeritus Professor, King’s College London, explores the myths and realities in this illustrated talk.
Friday 14 February, 2pm
Free with admission
Herbal Remedies from Your Own Garden
One-day practical workshop with Medical Herbalist, Maria Vlotides
From nettles to narcissi, this workshop explores the traditions and science of plant medicine. Using garden plants as home remedies, Maria shares the recipes for Spring tonics and more.
Saturday 15 February, 10am–4pm
Cost £95 pp. Call 020 7349 6471 to book.
Nick Bailey’s Best in Snow
Garden tour with the Head Gardener
Sunday 16 February, 11am & 2pm
Free with admission.
For more information about these daily events, see the website www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/events
