Urban Physic Garden

The Urban Physic Garden is a temporary garden next to the railway line at 100 Union Street, SE1. Its focus is on medicinal plants, and it also has its own bar/cafe.

The garden is hosting various musical and other performances. Recently (July 23rd) I took part in Cross Bones Bards there, hosted by John Constable and featuring songs and poems inspired by the local area. Among those taking part were John, Nigel of Bermondsey (pictured below), Niall McDevitt, Irene Anderson and Transpontine Music Club. The event finished up with a walk round the corner to Crossbones for the monthly vigil at the site of the old burial ground there.

There's another folk night coming up there on August 10th, a 'collaboration between the Magpie’s Nest (BBC Folk Club of the year 2010) and Folie à Deux (‘alt-Folk barometre of bands you need you know about in 2011’ – Amelias Magazine) brings to you folk music in our blooming garden. Folk acts Sam Lee, Dear Winesburg and Robin Grey' (ticket details here).

John, Nigel, Stewart Forester and Transpontine Music Club also performed at the Southwark Folk night at the Cuming Museum on Walworth Road on June 24th. A revelation to me was the singing of Russell Dryden (below), of Bermondsey Beat fame. He has a great soulful voice and some good songs, such as one based on his (positive) reaction to hearing a New York accent while working on his fish stall on the market at the Blue in Bermondsey.