We’re very excited to welcome Pamela Holmes, author of The Curious Life of Elizabeth Blackwell, 2022 for a talk at Chelsea Physic Garden to mark International Women’s Day (8 March).

Elizabeth Blackwell’s “The Curious Herbal” is a stunning collection of botanical illustrations and descriptions of medicinal plants. The book features over 500 detailed illustrations, many of which depict plants that can be found at Chelsea Physic Garden. Blackwell’s work highlights the unique characteristics and uses of each plant, making it an invaluable resource for botanists, physicians, and anyone interested in the study of medicinal plants. Today, many of the plants featured in “The Curious Herbal” can still be found at Chelsea Physic Garden. Blackwell’s illustrations showcase the intricate details of each plant, from the shape and texture of the leaves to the colour and structure of the flowers. Her work helped to popularise the use of botanical illustrations in medicine and contributed to the growing scientific understanding of botany.

Throughout March 2023 we are celebrating women in horticulture, which is one of our themes during Chelsea Physic Garden’s 350 anniversary year. Pamela will discuss the extraordinary story of Elizabeth Blackwell, weaving fact and fiction. A Q&A will follow with the audience.

Booking Information:
Tickets are £25 per person
Concessions £20 per person (Students, Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Refugee Status and Asylum Seekers)

Package Tickets £50 (combined with Elisabeth Blackwell Botanical Drawing Workshop, Sunday 12 March 2023, 2pm – 4pm)
Concession Package Tickets £40 (combined with Elisabeth Blackwell Botanical Drawing Workshop, Sunday 12 March 2023, 2pm – 4pm), (Students, Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Refugee Status and Asylum Seekers)

This event will take place in our first floor ‘Gallery’, unfortunately this space is not wheelchair accessible. Please email  if you would like to discuss accessibility.

No discounts for members.

The Speaker

Pamela Holmes

Pamela Holmes was born in Charleston, South Carolina. At the age of eight, she moved with her family to England. She studied nursing at London University after three years living on a commune in Somerset where she developed a love of gardening, milking cows and laying hedges. The Huntingfield Paintress was her first novel followed by Wyld Dreamers. She won the Jane Austen Short Story Award in 2014 and her entry for the HISSAC short story competition 2015 was Highly Commended. Pamela is the mother of two boys and lives in London with her husband.
Website: https://www.pamela-holmes.com/