Old Physick Garden Leith Walk 

‘Loudon: So where did you get your plant knowledge?’
‘Blaikie: I worked in the Physick Garden on the west side of Leith Walk in Edinburgh. It had a gardeners’ cottage for lectures. Dr John Hope gave me a love of botany which is still in my heart. Few people in France know more garden plants than I do.’
‘Loudon: I worked for Dicksons on the other side of Leith Walk and know quite a few plants myself. We used to exchange seeds and cuttings with the Physick Garden, and I have been to lectures there. But how did you come to work in Paris?’ This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024). 

The Historical Significance of the Physick Garden on Leith Walk

The story of Edinburgh’s botanic gardens began in 1670 with the founding of a botanical collection in the Old Town, belonging to the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Medicinal plants were cultivated for teaching and research. In 1763, under the leadership of Professor John Hope, the garden was given a new home on Leith Walk. He curated a diverse collection of plants, encompassing both local and exotic species, meticulously classified and labelled for educational purposes. The garden had medicinal herbs, ornamental flowers, and trees renowned for their therapeutic properties. Renowned professors like Hope himself delivered regular lectures and demonstrations, educating students and the public alike on the wonders of botany and its relevance to medicine. It was open to the public for a small fee and served as a leisure destination.

Botanical Legacy of the Old Physick Garden

The Old Physick Garden on Leith Walk played a crucial role in the development of botany and medical research in Scotland. Beyond its educational purpose, it served as a hub for plant exchange among botanists and gardeners, fostering international collaborations. The garden’s influence extended to Paris, where Scottish gardeners like Thomas Blaikie carried their knowledge and passion for plants. Today, the legacy of the Physick Garden is remembered as a foundational element of Edinburgh's rich botanical history, influencing the growth and design of gardens across Europe.