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New Scientist recommends: Chelsea Physic Garden

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

By Tom Leslie

14 February 2024

2G4BCH3 LONDON ENGLAND THE CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN IN EARLY SUMMER LOOKING ACROSS THE POND TO STATUE OF HANS SLOANE

JOHN BRACEGIRDLE/Alamy

I have been wandering London in search of hidden gems and recently enjoyed the Chelsea Physic Garden (pictured above). Established by a society of apothecaries in the 17th century to grow medicinal and otherwise useful plants, its walled garden brims with botanical curiosities, including familiar faces such as the opium poppy and willow tree.

More obscure varieties also merit a mention, if only for their names. My favourites are the hardy succulent known as old father live forever, and an unassuming but highly toxic shrub called the poison devil’s pepper.

At home and on my commute, I trade botany…

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