Hidden Histories: Herbs: The Secret Properties of 150 Plants by Kim Hurst

Kim and Rob Hurst began The Cottage Herbery in 1976. The book was published in 2015 and at the time the society did a book review, however we feel, such a good book deserves another mention, as we have many new members, and they are one of our growing corporate members.  The nursery is not open to the public, but they sell online and at events, hold workshops and run open days. They have won a number of medals including 2 Chelsea golds and focus on peat free, organically grown herbs.

This paperback book has beautiful coloured illustration for each herb, which is  organised with the botanical name first and the common name after. Each herb has a suitable quote, a description panel with symbols detailing uses including culinary, craft, domestic, medicinal, cosmetic, and folklore. 150 herbs are included in this book which feels like a book to keep close by and dip in and out of to learn  more about our fascinating herbs.

The book arrived beautifully packaged and included a booklet  ‘A Taste of Herbs’ which is a notebook from the Cottage Herbery including some brief  snippets from the book. Truly a gift to anyone who enjoys herbs.


If you love herbs and want to do more with them – join us! Find out more

The Herb Society