A group of residents from our independent living schemes have been working hard alongside creative practitioner Anna Jones, in collaboration with the RHS, to create an exhibition called ‘The Making of a Modern Day Herbal’.

The exhibition explores the healing powers of plants, gardens, and nature that traditional herbals (botanical encyclopaedias) reveal in the modern day, through the RHS Library and Herbarium collections.

Each of our artists recalled their connection with particular plants and had the chance to make a cyanotype with a cutting of their favourite plant and other prized possessions. One resident chose lavender, as the scent reminds them of happy times. Their object is the last piece of knitting from their mum before she passed away, showing the poignant and emotive effort that went into creating this artwork.

The exhibition also featured information about our historic ties with Wisley Gardens and our awareness of the vital role nature has. Visitors have the chance to put a pin on a map of where their own healing garden is, and these pins are already covering the world.

We are proud to offer our green spaces to the local community, and are deeply aware of the importance that nature can have on wellbeing. We are keen for our allotment projects and other activities run on our green spaces to benefit the community we belong to. Many memories and stories are woven into the natural landscape of Elmbridge, and we want to protect these spaces for the future.

Do you have any stories about plants? Did your grandparents use peppermint to cure your stomachaches? Or lavender on a cut or sting? Let us know!

Check out the exhibition:
Where? Old Laboratory, RHS Garden Wisley, GU23 6QB

When? 7th September 2024 - 26th January 2025

The exhibition is free, but normal garden admission charges apply. Find out more on the RHS Wisley website.

RHS Exhibition with Walton Charity group