Herb Revival in Times of Change with Maya Jayaweera Thomas
Location:
Chelsea Physic Garden (Gallery)
Date & time:
Saturday 3 Oct 2026, 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Price:
£20.00 (plus £2 booking fee per transaction)
Join herbologist and writer Maya for a talk exploring how herbs have offered care, resilience and renewed connection during times of upheaval and revival.
About the event
Join herbologist and writer Maya for a talk exploring the role of herbs in times of upheaval, recovery and renewal. Looking across history, from periods of conflict and social change to moments of cultural and ecological revival, Maya will consider how plants have offered care, resilience and connection to place, tradition and community.
This talk will trace how herbal knowledge has been preserved, adapted and rediscovered in response to uncertainty, showing how herbs continue to hold meaning in moments when people seek healing, grounding and a deeper relationship with the living world around them.
Festival planning
Getting between Chelsea History Festival venues: This event takes place at Chelsea Physic Garden. Many Chelsea History Festival venues are within walking distance of one another, but journey times vary. If you are booking events close together, please allow enough time to travel comfortably between venues.
Estimated walking times from this venue: 5 minutes to National Army Museum, 8 minutes to Royal Hospital Chelsea, 8 minutes to Garrison Chapel, 10 minutes to Chelsea Old Church, 14 minutes to Royal Court Theatre, 16 minutes to Cadogan Hall and 19 minutes to Chelsea Theatre.
Additional information
This event is eligible for our 20% ticket bundle discount.
Book tickets to three or more different events across the festival and you can save 20%. Tickets must be purchased in the same transaction and the discount will automatically be applied within the basket.
About the speaker
Maya Jayaweera Thomas is a herbologist, writer and creative consultant exploring the connections between people, plants and place. With a background in documentary film and a distinction in Herbology from the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, she creates workshops and collaborations across the UK.
FAQs
Is the Chelsea Physic Garden accessible?Most of the Garden is fully accessible, with the exception of the first floor Gallery at Chelsea Physic Garden which is used only for special events and is only accessible via a narrow 22 step staircase with a handrail.
If you are attending an event and need help please get in touch at enquiries@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk or call 0207 352 5646.
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.
What’s on
Check out more events at this venue
Summer in Chelsea: Family Summer Crafternoon
- 26 July - 9 August 2026
- Chelsea Physic Garden
- £10.00 to £15.00
Spend a creative afternoon making playful garden characters inspired by Chelsea Physic Garden in full summer.
More info
Summer in Chelsea: Live on the Lawn (Twilight Classical Concert)
- 26 July 2026, 7.00pm
- Chelsea Physic Garden
- £15.00 to £30.00
Experience an enchanting evening of classical music on the lawn at Chelsea Physic Garden, featuring performances under the summer sky.
More info
Summer in Chelsea: Family Summer Soap Making Workshop
- 27 - 29 July 2026
- Chelsea Physic Garden
- £20.00 to £25.00
Create your own botanical soaps in a fun, hands-on workshop inspired by the historic plant collections at Chelsea Physic Garden.
More info
CHQ Highlights Walking Tour
- 31 July 2026, 2.00pm
- Chelsea Physic Garden
- £20.00
Explore the stories, streets and hidden corners of Chelsea Heritage Quarter on a guided walking tour with Emily Laurence Baker.
More info