Hidden Histories, with Wormcasts, from the Chelsea Physic Garden

Wormcasts is a podcast from Chelsea Physic Garden, created by the Young Producers – a group of 16 – 24 year olds working to engage more young people with the garden. This series explores the global histories of botanic gardens, deceptive plants, working in the garden, and plants in the context of health and wellbeing. In this cutting from the episode, Hidden Histories, we explore approaches to science and plant medicines beyond Western European contexts, where botanic gardens would have played an integral role. We also explore the origins and historical associations of Botanic Gardens, including Gardens of Paradise and Monastic Gardens. This episode features the  pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its many associations, and the Canon of Medicine by Ibn Sina (c. 980–1037 AD).

Molly Marsh is the Visitor Experience Manager at Chelsea Physic Garden and has expertise in the medical humanities.

Maya Jayaweera Thomas is a herbologist specialising in plant medicine, as well as a trained chef and market garden grower. Her work centres on finding innovative ways to connect people with their environments through the stories of plants.

Wormcasts are the microbially rich and fertile clumps of soil that worms leave next to their burrows as they forage for food. The Young Producers hope you enjoy the arisings that come from this little patch of green in South West London.

This series was collaboratively produced by the Young Producers at Chelsea Physic Garden (Hwei-Linn Khoo, Amelie Rossati, Zachary Sukonkin, and Tymon Zgorzelski), coordinated by Richard Choksey. The lead producer is Jelena Sofronijevic. Editing and Sound Design by Tymon Zgorzelski.