Out and about with the Herb Society this Summer by Ruth Ridley

29th April 2015

This Weekend is Powderham Castle Garden Festival

This event is organised by new Herb Society President Toby Buckland, who has a nursery nearby. Toby has already been very supportive of the society, and there will be many herb-related activities at the event. Powderham is near Exeter, so if you are in the area Fri 1st May or Sat 2nd May 2015, do pop in and visit the lovely volunteers on our stand! The press release announces: “Toby Buckland is the new President of The Herb Society, an internationally renowned educational charity, so as part of the festival we are celebrating history, fragrance and flavour of these plants. The Herb Society are bringing a 1636 leather-bound volume of Gerard’s Herball, giving visitors an opportunity to view this 400 year old book, on a rare outing from the Society’s vaults. The St Nicholas Priory “Tudor Herbal Wives” will be demonstrating their many uses and Toby will be discussing practical modern applications of herbs with useful tips and ideas on growing and enjoying them.” For tickets and more information, visit tobygardenfest.co.uk

Bowood House Garden Festival

This is another event organised by Toby. Bowood House is in Wiltshire, and the festival will be on 5th and 6th June 2015: find out more via the above link. Again, there will be a strong emphasis on herbs, and a Herb Society stand. Image credits for all the above: Matt Austin. How it went: Read about this great day out for herb enthusiasts

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

The Herb Society always has a strong showing at this event, last year scoring a Silver Gilt medal. Do come along a support this event, on 22-26 July 2015 in Cheshire. Medical herbalist Barbara Wilkinson is organising this years stand in the National Plant Societies and Plant Heritage Marquee, and the exhibit will be called “Thyme for Tea”.  The planting will be on the theme of herbal teas, with information available on how to use herbs in teas. Members will receive a free herbal tea to take home! Tickets and opening times at rhs.org.uk Find out how we got on – read the blog post about this years stand at Tatton

Herb Society President’s Day

Members and their guests are invited to visit Toby Buckland at his nursery at Powderham Castle on Sat 5th Sept. The day will be themed on Herbs, Hedgerows & History. For full details, members should refer to page 6 of the June edition of Herbs magazine. September update – read Barbara Depledge’s review of this great day out.

Herb Society AGM Ryton Organic

Our AGM and members event will be on Sat 26th Sept at Garden Organic, Ryton. Highlights will be a talk by Toby and a tour of the new herb garden. Full details can be found on page 6 of the June edition of Herbs magazine.   Written by Ruth Ridley