Nancy Stevens
14 September 2022 (Change to original programme)
Synopsis
This is the remarkable tale of how and why a book of plants for the medical profession was made in 1737 by Elizabeth Blackwell, a talented botanical artist from Aberdeen. Encompassing The Chelsea Physic Garden, Head Gardener Philip Miller, Sir Hans Sloane and details of what plants were used for what by the apothecaries, there are loads of interesting facts along the way, not the least of which is the astonishing story of Alexander Blackwell and Elizabeth, his adoring wife.
CV
After working for such behemoths of commerce as ICI, GEC and the Royal Bank of Scotland, and seen them all go downhill when she left, Nancy thought it would be safer for the British economy if she worked for herself, and so became a freelance journalist. She has, however, had a lifelong interest in plants and gardening. This has been augmented by 30 years of owning and visiting gardens of various shapes, sizes and topography, enriched by the written word and topped off by joining the excellent Baldernock Gardening Club where she was Chairman for seven very enjoyable years. Nancy is now a freelance lecturer on a wide range of horticultural topics.