Chelsea Physic Garden & Psychodermatology

In deepest Chelsea, London UK, there is a gem often overlooked by international visitors. In the picture above, DrB stood between the Psychiatry and Dermatology beds in Chelsea Physic Garden. 

Containing almost 5000 plant species from all over the world, the garden was founded in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries, to study the medicinal properties of plants.

On the day I visited, several years ago, I noted not only how Psychiatry and Dermatology were almost "bed-fellows", but also how neat and tidy Psychiatry seemed, in contrast to the exuberance of Dermatology!

Time has since moved on and things have changed. On a recent visit a search for a Psychiatry Bed proved fruitless! Perhaps mental health has now been fully integrated with the other specialities?

But next time you have a chance, the garden is well worth a visit. The café is notable for its home-baked cakes.