The Royal College of Physicians (RCP), the leading conference venue overlooking London’s Regent’s Park, has completed the latest phase of development to one of its most distinctive features – its unique ‘physic garden’.
A popular location for summer events, the garden includes many exotic and historic medicinal plants – including some dating back to prehistoric times – and provides a relaxing break-out space for conference delegates.
Eight new individual garden beds to a quincunx (five-point) design have now been planted to provide even more spectacular variety. It is the latest stage in a major planting programme which began in 2005. Exhibits include traditional medicinal plants from various cultures, labelled and arranged in beds according to their global origins.
The garden is a popular enhancement of the conference and events portfolio at the Royal College of Physicians, the Conference Centres of Excellence member which recently won the BDRC market research organisation’s 'No 1 UK Venue' title for the second year running.
'It’s a serene yet vibrantly alive location for summer events,' says Clive Ostler, general manager of marketing and facilities at the RCP. 'Our delegates love it as well – not only those attending medical events, but also anyone looking for an interesting place for a few minutes’ break.'
As it has developed, the physic garden – located in a secluded area to the side of the main RCP building – has proved increasingly popular for receptions and garden parties. Special packages are available offering a range of options. Dr Henry Oakeley, the RCP’s Garden Fellow, will be giving conducted tour of the garden on the first Wednesday of each month from June until September. Prior booking is required.
The physic garden is just one element of the RCP’s unique collection of historic items, which are available to complement events at the venue, itself a Grade I-listed modernist building. Its treasures include manuscripts from the 12th Century, some of the earliest printed books, paintings and sculptures by major artists including Joshua Reynolds, Zoffany and Annigoni, a magnificent silver collection, and a unique collection of medical artefacts. Special tours and exhibits can be arranged.
The revenue generated by the RCP Conference Centre helps to fund the College’s many significant activities in improving the quality of healthcare.