What's On - Gardens

Chelsea Open Air Nursery School & Children's Centre

"The 76 children of Chelsea Open Air can be seen playing and learning outside in our "magical" garden throughout the year whatever the weather. There is no such thing as bad weather - only bad clothing! The natural cycle of the year enhances cross curricular learning as we plant bulbs in the autumn for spring, grow vegetables and flowers from seed in the spring and summer. Then we harvest come autumn! The children, parents and staff are the gardeners. Come and join us for tea and cakes on Sat 21 June, 2pm - 6pm, and see our beautiful building which dates from 1587. Chelsea Open Air is a real "kindergarten"!" 51 Glebe Place Tel 020 7352 8374 www.coans.rbkc.sch.uk

Chelsea Old Church Garden

Visible from Cheyne Walk and the Embankment behind the Thomas More statue, this church garden has won many prizes. Varied planting of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, plus courtyard garden. Corner of Cheyne Walk and Old Church Street. Open Tue 17, Wed 18 and Thu 19 June 2pm-5pm. Admission free. www.chelseaoldchurch.org.uk

Chelsea Physic Garden

London's oldest botanic garden was founded in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries to train apprentices in 'physic' or the healing arts. Hidden behind high walls, next to the River Thames, the Garden is an extraordinary survivor. One of the world's most important botanic gardens, this beautiful living museum still functions as an outdoor classroom as it has done for 330 years. It is home to a unique collection of medicinal and rare plants from around the world. Highlights include Britain's first garden of World Medicine and the oldest rock garden in Europe.
Open 19 Mar - 31 Oct, Wed - Fri 12-5pm and

Sun 12-6pm. Late night opening July and August on Wed until 10pm (last admission 8-30pm). Swan Walk, Royal Hospital Road Tel 020 7352 5646 www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Christ Church Garden

Delightful gardens on either side of this Victorian church have won numerous cups and prizes. Roses are a feature but many other plants and shrubs give year round interest. Christchurch Street. Gates open daily during the Festival. Admission free. www.chelseaparish.org

286 Earls Court Road, SW5

Sculptor Camilla Shivarg's garden has won awards for its design and ambitious planting. A stone terrace, central circular lawn, raised flowerbeds, shady area beneath an old walnut tree and with bronze and terracotta figures nestling amongst the foliage and reclining by the pond. Open Sun 15 June 12.00 - 3.00pm www.gallery286.com

St Wilfrid's at Tite Street

The Daughter's of the Cross of Liege welcome visitors for tea and cakes, a tour of the building and garden. "Our garden won first prize in the Nursing Home Section on the Brighter Kensington and Chelsea Scheme. We call our garden an urban oasis - our home is embraced by our garden." 29 Tite Street SW3 Open Thu 19 June 2 - 5.30pm www.chelseaparish.org 020 7351 5339

The Chelsea Gardens Guild

The local society for anyone interested in plants and gardens was founded in 1927 and encourages the practice of good gardening in all its aspects. A typical annual programme consists of a summer outing, garden party at the Chelsea Physic Garden by kind permission of the Curator, competitions, lectures of horticultural interest and regular newsletters.
Contact Mrs Penny Pocock 020 7352 2729