In its 350 years of history, Chelsea Physic Garden has been host to some of the world’s most extraordinary works of horticultural significance. One of these, the Pond Rockery, is the oldest of its kind in Europe. It lies at the heart of the Garden, and is one of the first things event guests encounter as they enter the Garden via the elegant gate, Swan Walk.
Image credit: Mark Bothwell
The Rockery’s base layer comprises basalt volcanic rocks, from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean near Iceland. Embedded within this structure are masonry blocks traceable to the Tower of London. The circumstances in which the Garden inherited these stones is unknown.
Image credit: Mark Bothwell
In and around the Rockery’s perimeter are a variety of alpine grasses and Mediterranean shrubs, including lavender, sage, and other fragrant herbs that you might otherwise find in your kitchen cupboard. They combine to produce a very jazzy scent profile in the summer months.
Image credit: Mark Bothwell
Within the pond itself are giant water lilies and reeds, where you might hear the gentle humming and the flashing sapphire-blue of the dragonflies that return year after year to this space to mate. The Pond Rockery’s unmissable centrepiece are two giant clam shells. They were brought to the Garden from Tahiti, collected during James Cook’s circumnavigation of the globe.
The Pond Rockery’s wealth of history, its central location in the Garden, and the wide grass lawns areas around it make it the ideal location to begin a drinks reception on a Summer’s evening.
Image credit: Mark Bothwell
Unique Venues of London is delighted to welcome Chelsea Physic Garden to its collection of venues. Enquire today about the spaces they have to offer you.