Herbal teas, crafts, garden tours, morris dancing and a book sale – it will all be happening on Sunday September 20 when the award winning Ladywell Physic Garden hosts an Autumn Equinox Fair from 12.00 midday.
The garden, created by local gardeners David Congram and Joao Afonso who were inspired by the history of the Lady Well, won a Silver Gilt award at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Sandringham Flower Show.
The garden has now found a permanent home close to St Mary’s church and the River Ravensbourn, next to St Mary’s Therapeutic Garden and very near the site of the ancient Lady Well.
The creators of the award-winning Ladywell Physic Garden are now opening this 100 per cent medicinal garden for the public’s enjoyment and education for free.
At the fair there will be a chance to hear from local historian and expert Robert Smith about the mysterious medieval history of the well’s miracle waters. His book “A Tale of Two Villages” (2026) on the history and mystery of the Lady Well will be on sale.
The Ladywell Society will host a stand with displays on the history of the area, information on the nearby Playtower , and its plans for a Ladywell Forum to disuss the issues affecting the neighbourhood.
Gardeners João and David will lead tours of the garden throughout the day so that visitors can learn about the medicinal plants growing in Ladywell Physic Garden and harvest seeds to take home.
Visitors will be able to find out more about the various environmental and gardening projects happening in southeast London with Ladywell Fields User Group.
They will also be able to tour the eye-opening underground crypt at the 10th century St Mary’s church, Lewisham’s oldest building.
The fair is FREE and open to all. With activities organised for children, and provisions made for dogs (strictly on leashes), we look forward to seeing you there!
Entertainments include:
– Free herbal tea and cake refreshments
– Free kids garden ornament crafts
– Free herbal bath salts making at 2pm
– Plant sale
– Book sale
– Gardening and herbal medicine prizes to be won!
– The Quaggy Morris Dancers will perform at 4pm
LOCATION: find Ladywell Physic Garden next to the St Mary’s Therapeutic Garden and the St Mary’s Centre on Ladywell Road SE13 7UW. Follow the signs.