The SLBI can be found in a large double fronted Victorian house, set behind a sweeping drive at 323 Norwood Road in Tulse Hill. This ‘little gem’ of a place was founded in 1910 by eminent ornithologist and botanist Allan Octavian Hume and today has a beautiful botanical garden, a library of over 2,000 botanical books and an extensive herbarium that includes not only original dried and pressed plants but many other thousands of interesting plant specimens from around the world.
Members, botanists and visitors can relax in our lovely botanic garden. Collections of ferns, wild flowers, medieval and modern medicinal plants, carnivorous and poisonous plants ensure there is always something new to see and be inspired by.
In the peace of the library students of all ages have explored their own plant passion, researching insect pollination, early agriculture in Britain, plant distribution or south London’s ecology.
We run workshops, talks, courses, open days and plant walks for people of all ages and abilities. Our popular schools programme introduces children to the wonders of plants. Families can also join us for fun, plant-inspired activities during school holidays. Please see our website for all upcoming events (in-person and online) and our children’s resources and activity sheets.
Our meeting rooms and garden are also available for venue hire. Please get in touch to find out more.
