Texture of Bark and Branch

The day, cold and gray, seemed better suited for reading by the fire and sipping hot herb tea. But the salmon tufts of maple flowers caught my eye and drew me outdoors to see what other wonders I had barely noticed.

Of all seasons, winter is probably the least considered when planning the garden. Spring is exhuberant, Summer is fecund. Autumn is rich. But winter is introspective and offers us hidden things to ponder. The thoughtful gardener studies the possibilities and presents them artfully.

Bundled up, I ventured into a garden nearby. Low clouds and mist muffled the sounds of the city, and it suited my mood. So I walked slowly and carefully noted the texture of bark and branch. Share this photographic journey with me.
















Acer griseum in blue.

Acer palmatum var. dissectum Tamukeyama (above).

The white bark of Betula papifera (above).

The mosaic of Cornus florida (above).

Netted bark of Liriodendron tulipifera (above).
The tabula rasa that is Fagus grandifolia (below).

Expressionistic Platanus occidentalis (above).
The reptilian texture of Halesia diptera (below).

Thorny Aralia spinosa (above).
Acer palmatum Contorta (below).

Liquidambar styraciflua Corky (above).

Corylus avellana Contorta (below).

A tangle of Hydrangea anomala petiolaris against a tree (above).
Tracery of Schizophragma hydrangoides on a wall (below).

Return to GoGardenNow.com.

Behind A Garden Wall In Chelsea

On a rainy November day, we set out from our hotel near the Thames, strolled past Chelsea Wharf and along Cheyne Walk (with pauses at # 48 and # 3, sites famous for interests in pharmaceuticals) to visit the Chelsea Physic Garden. Apart from the sign, there was little about the entrance that hinted at the treasures behind the garden wall. If only those walls could talk.

The Physic Garden was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to train apprentices in the identification and uses of plants. Occupying fewer than 4 acres, its location near the river provides a unique micro-climate which allows an astonishing number of species to grow protected from harsh winter weather.

A number of environments have been created to support various types of plants. Among them is the oldest rock garden in England that is open to the public. Surprisingly, the garden was not open to all until 1983.

One of the roles of the Chelsea Physic Garden is to educate the public in natural medicine. Those of you who have frequented my eBay store and goGardenNow.com know how important this is to me from reading some of my comments about various plants.

Medicinal species from North America include Anemopsis californica, Aralia racemosa, Arnica angustifolia subsp. angustifolia, Baptisia tinctoria, Chenopodium ambrosioides var. anthelminticum, Cimicifuga (syn. Actaea) americana, Cimicifuga (syn. Actaea) racemosa, Echinacea purpurea, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Geranium maculatum, Gillenia trifoliata, Hamamelis virginiana, Hedeoma pulegioides, Lobelia siphilitica, Monarda fistulosa, Nicotiana tabacum, Panax quinquefolius, Podophyllum peltatum, Sanguinaria canadensis, Scutellaria lateriflora, Veratrum viride.

You'll also find medicinal plants used by aboriginals of New Zealand, Australia, India, China, South Africa, the Mediterranean region and Northern Europe.

One section of the garden features plants used in pharmacology, including some studied for applications in oncology, pulmonary disease, dermatology, cardiology, analgesia and anaesthesia, neurology and rheumatology, psychiatry, ophthalmology, parasitology, and gastroenterology. Plants are not only grown for medical evaluation, but also for food and fiber, perfume and aromatherapy.

A walk through the Chelsea Physic Garden will bring you joy at every turn. There are tranquil vistas, elfin landscapes, plant oddities and flowers in profusion to delight you. Be sure to schedule a visit. Check visiting hours before arrival.