My Favourite Garden
Ann Widdecombe (Chelsea Physic Garden)
Chelsea Physic Garden next to the river Thames is the oasis of calm that Ann regards as her escape from the pressures of politics. In her no-nonsense, Head Girl voice she tells us "nature's going on here no matter what sort of roar and thump is going on in Westminster".
Set within ancient brick walls, the four acre Chelsea Physic Garden is the oldest botanical garden in London. It was created in 1673 as a practical and scientific school for trainee apothecaries to learn about the healing properties of plants. Three centuries later it's still an important centre for education and research. Among the myriad of walkways and views are different themed sections, such as the Garden of World Medicine and the Pharmaceutical Garden.
Always take seeds that are ripe
Once collected put them in a paper envelope and store them in a fridge or freezer
Always collect seeds on a dry day and keep them dry throughout.
Ann's favourite spot
The lily pond at the bottom of the Garden reminds Ann of her childhood and is where she likes to sit and reflect. "Time out in a garden like this... you do get everything into perspective". Ann finds the lily pond so tranquil and therapeutic that she intends to have one in her home once she retires.
Top tips from this episode
Each year Head Gardener Mark Poswillo collects seeds from many of the 5,000 species. He has these simple tips for successful germination:
Our Programmes
In UKTV Gardens
Ask The Expert
| Celebrities
| Competitions
| Design Inspiration
| Design Your Garden
| Gardening Guides
| Grow Your Own
| Design Your Own
| Gardens News
| Lawns
| Message Boards
| Organic and Wildlife
| Paving and Decking
| Planting Up
| Plant Finder
| Plant of the Month
| Programmes
| Stockist Directory
| Sven’s Diary
| Water Features
