Wellington Launches Flora 250
The 17 of March 2026 marks the official launch of Flora 250, a year-long programme of events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the publication of The botanical arrangement of all the vegetables naturally growing in Great Britain.
The book was written by Wellington-born physician and botanist, Dr William Withering.
The launch took place today, on Withering’s birthday, at the Wellington Community Hub and Library. The event was attended by representatives from local community organisations. To mark the occasion, a commemorative cake was produced by local businesses, JoJo’s Cakes in Wellington Market and decorated with a foxglove theme by Amanda Goode of Shy Violet’s.
Historical Significance
First published in 1776, ‘Withering’s Botany’ was the first modern British plant encyclopaedia. It remained the standard reference text for botany for nearly a century. Born in Wellington as the son of an apothecary surgeon, Withering studied medicine at Edinburgh University before practising in Stafford and Birmingham. His research into the foxglove as a treatment for dropsy (heart failure) is recognised as the origin of modern heart medicine.
The Flora 250 Programme
Developed by Wellington born Rob Francis of arts and heritage group H2A and supported by Wellington Town Council and Love Wellington, the varied year long programme focuses on Withering’s contributions to science and medicine. Funding has been provided by both Wellington based borough councillors and Wellington Town Council provided the printing for the programme.
The Flora 250 programme includes:
- Educational Events: Historical talks and botanical walks through the fields and woods around Wellington.
- Arts and Culture: Botanical art exhibitions and themed workshops.
- Cinema and Social: Film screenings at the Orbit, including The Madness of King George, and a Bridgerton style masquerade ball.
“Flora 250 is a collaborative effort involving various community organisations intended to highlight the local natural environment that influenced Withering’s early interest in wild plants and fungi. A few months ago, it was just an idea with absolutely no funding behind it. Thanks to Wellington’s amazing community groups, that idea has turned into a year-long programme of 30 events. It’s a brilliant response,” commented Rob Francis who spoke at the launch.
Cllr Emma Holding, chair of Wellington Town Council’s Events and Communications committee said, “Wellington Town Council is delighted to be collaborating on this initiative that not only honours our past but also strengthens our cultural future, helping to position Wellington as a place where culture thrives and communities come together.”
To find out more about the Flora 250 events, programmes are available in the library, the town council offices and various businesses around Wellington and online lovewellington.co.uk/whats-on-in-wellington/
