The college has had a medicinal garden since 1965. It was extensively replanted by Mark Griffiths in 2005-6, with sponsorship from a generous grant from the Wolfson Foundation.
The gardens extend from the north end of the front of the college, along under the London plane trees to the west in front of the car park and to the rear where there is a sheltered south-facing lawn with many tender plants. The eight gardens, with their box parterres, in front of the houses of St. Andrew’s Place are the latest areas to be included, and work on them commenced in October 2006.
Traditional medicinal plants from various cultures, plants with known medical value and those connected with physicians through the ages are labelled and arranged in beds, mainly according to their geographical origins.
The labelling, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, is the first step in a comprehensive educational facility with respect to medicinal plants, at the college.
Physicians in the Garden
A veritable history of physicians past is visible in the gardens of The College. Physicians through the ages have had immortality conferred on them by having plants named in their memory. The College's medicinal garden commemorates both the medicines and the physicians of bygone ages.
Summer garden tours
Dr Henry Oakeley, The Garden Fellow, conducts a tour of the College's medicinal garden on the first Wednesday of each month from February to October.
Book your place
To join a tour, please contact the Reception (020 7935 1174) and give your name and number of guests.
Please note that these tours start at 2pm. Places are limited to up to 20 people only on each tour on a strictly first come, first served basis. If the tour is over subscribed a second one will be held at 3.30pm
2010 dates
- Tours will resume in February 2010, monthly until October 2010