Chelsea Physic Garden and Honey

Chelsea Physic Garden is a walk away from South Kensington Station - and is definitely worth visiting.  It was founded in 1673 as an Apothecaries Garden where apprentices were trained to recognise plants.  There is so much interest there (including a super restaurant/cafe).  They also have workshops and lecture days.  We recently went to a Honey Tasting lecture which was delightful ... with tea and cake afterwards!  Their Hives also produce a beautiful honey, once a year, and I think you have to be pretty quick to obtain some - as it goes almost as soon as it arrives in their shop.   It's a wonderful source of herbal and plant information - and a lovely way to spend a sunny London day.

This is from an ancient cave painting showing honey collection.

Some super pics from the Garden

Cabbage Heaven ..........

This beauty is in the allotment at St.James's Park, London. It's almost hidden away, (near the restaurant) if you dont know the park very well. It is so worth a visit. It's only there until the end of September - some wonderful ideas for use in our small gardens, including a wormery, (http://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/) a bee home, and lots of interesting veg. All the plants look just wonderful.

Quick regular cabbage recipe: Shred cabbage leaves fairly finely, remove stalks if wanted, put in boiling, salted water and cook till just tender, drain, toss in a little garlic and butter or good olive oil. Season with S&P.
Tip: Put a bayleaf or three in with the veg. as it boils - it stops that awful old boiled veggie smell. This will work very well with any green veg.