Herbology at Hogwarts

Herbology classes at Hogwarts took place in the greenhouses in the castle grounds. This is a meticulous drawing by Jim Kay of one of the Herbology greenhouses, showing the structural sections and glass panels. Anyone who has seen the Palm House, the Temperate House and the Alpine House at Kew Gardens, where the artist once worked, will recognise these drawings as specialised greenhouses designed to provide varying environments for the plants.

“The greenhouses in Kay's vision are clearly designed around the plants’ needs – some hang, some will creep up walls, some will grow in water, others spread out in the shade.”

Joanna Norledge
Curator

Harry, Ron and Hermione left the castle together, crossed the vegetable patch and made for the greenhouses, where the magical plants were kept.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

DRAWING OF A HOGWARTS GREENHOUSE BY JIM KAY

Bloomsbury