Dilston Physic Garden

03/09/2026

💚Terry’s Thursday Fact💚

🍃Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) can reproduce without fertilization through a process called apomixis. This leads to many micro-species that can produce different tasting fruit within the
immediate area. They can grow up to 10m long and the leaves were traditionally put in teas as a gargle for sore throats, mouth ulcers and other mouth irritations, thanks to the astringent properties of the tannins in the leaves and roots. These were also used to cure diarrhoea, digestive issues and small wounds.

💚In folklore, blackberries are referred to as the 'Devils Fruit' as they were cursed by the devil when he was cast out of heaven by St.Michael and landed on Bramble. It's said you shouldn't pick Blackberries after St.Michaels day on the 29th September as they become unpalatable.

🌸The Latin translations for Rubus fruitcosus are simply 'Blackberry' &
'Bushy' or 'Shrubby'

🤔Did you know this?

❓What’s your favourite way to eat blackberries?

02/09/2026

💚Upcoming Event💚

🌿We hope to see you all at our open day on the 18th September

🌸This is a great opportunity to see our garden, get a taste of the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, connect with the community and enjoy a lovely day out!

🌼Save the date, hopefully see you there!

02/09/2026

Currently I’m collecting Mugwort for an Autumn dreaming pillow, the river mermaid of Collected Curiosities would approve!

I’d love to hear your favourite ways to work with Mugwort…

You can discover more about Collected Curiosities published by in the link in my bio and if you order a copy from me direct I’ll pack it up with a sprig of Mugwort gathered on my river meanders💚🌿📚💫

You can also join me at Perth art gallery on the 12th of September when I’ll be sharing a mini Collected Curiosities workshop exploring the book and my ways of creating a hidden herbal!



Filmed by at

01/09/2026

💚Our Junior Herbalist Club starts this week, here's a taster to plant identification!

🌿Can you identify this herb?

📘If you're interested in finding out more details about JHC please contact: [email protected]

31/08/2026

💚Upcoming Event💚

🌿Writing for Wellbeing: The Gift of Creativity, with Laura Napran on the 6th September

📝Join us for a lovely day where we explore our creativity through some gentle and enjoyable writing activities.

💚Email: [email protected]

30/08/2026

🌸 Our magical garden is filled with a huge variety of plants!

🪑 There’s lots of quiet places to sit and take in the calming atmosphere.

☕️ You can even enjoy a cup of herbal tea made from the produce of the garden!

29/08/2026

💚Last chance to join the JHC for this year!

🌿Contact [email protected]

28/08/2026

💚Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

🌿Do you like Lemon Balm tea?

Taken from the book 'GOOD HUMOUR &
SERENITY by Nicolette Perry, Davina Hopkinson, Sarah Pringle, Sonia Tully, Melanie Birch & Elaine Perry

27/08/2026

💚 Terry’s Thursday Fact 💚

🌸The flowers of Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) contain enzymes capable of coagulating milk, so dried cardoon flowers have traditionally been used as a vegetable rennet for making certain cheeses in the Mediterranean region. It has also been eaten and used to support liver and digestive systems.
💗Cynara is formed from the ancient Greek kyon meaning dog, referring to the dog-tooth like sharp bracts on the plant's flower head. cardunculus is formed from carduus (thistle) and unculus (small).

🐝 Featuring a bee having a pollen bath

26/08/2026

💚This is your last chance to have your say, closes on the 4th September!

🌸Have your say here:
https://teach.ocr.org.uk/dfe-gcse-natural-history-content-consultation?fbclid=IwY2xjawSt16dleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEen37GzwlmBcZIYLKjzNxIh87twO7alQ0l_9Of92HcAyR69XObMM6i0u9lei0_aem_5k1Qy5qoYxxe8GOlm8s6YA

🌺Davina Hopkinson and Dr Nicolette Perry from Dilston Physic Garden discuss the importance of resorting awareness of the plants in our environment and supporting our wellbeing through a more connected and informed relationship with nature.

🪻Flourishing Plants, Flourishing People - GCSE Natural History:
https://teach.ocr.org.uk/flourishing-plants-flourishing-people-dilston-physic-garden?fbclid=IwY2xjawSt16VleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe7sSulUSuWU0MrMIOtxSjm5d10QU1l8dqXx5aQ4GME2egg12pdZsC_v2wGvM_aem_j8fPEZgeXkM8LjiNheDqGw

The DfE consultation on GCSE Natural History subject content is now live. Its aim is to get the general public's opinion on the content for the new GCSE.