Way back when, at the end of June, we welcomed a group of Swiss Organic Growers to the farm, to compare notes with Jekka on organic growing methods.We were fascinated to swap growing tips, learn how
Jekka and the Swiss Organic Growers
differently organic certification works in Switzerland, and were also really impressed how the nurseries there work together as a co-operative. Inspiring.
July 2010
In early July, Jekka created a beautiful 'Herbs in the Kitchen' display at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, once more illustrating that organic herbs can cause stunning sensation in the garden, as well as being benefical.With so manyawards and years of garden design under her belt, we almost take Jekka's eye-catching displays for granted these days - but our visitors certainly don't.
Unbeknownst to Jekka, yet another award was in the offing, and on the last afternoon of the show, she was presented with a glass bowl for winning 'Best Plant Plot'!
Jekka receives 'Best Plant Plot' award at Hampton Court
July has been a busy, beautiful and bountiful month. Our organic herbs love this sunshine. Many, such as Thyme, Sage and Lavender are drought lovers. Think about where they grow in their natural habitat - i.e. very happily wandering up a Greek hillside or in the fields of Provence - and give them a sunny position with good
Organic lavender, adored by bumble bees
drainage - they will flourish, and become a magnet for bumble bees, butterflies and beneficial insects.
Two weeks after Hampton Court, we flung open the Herb Farm gates and welcomed everyone to our fourth Herb Farm Open Days of 2010. Our busiest ever! Jekka's herb workshop on growing salad herbs for autumn was sold out before the open days even began, and her twice daily
Herb farm Open Days in July were busier than ever
farm tours had definite Pied Piper overtones, with (ex-flautist) Jekka leading a long trail of herb enthusiasts! In the intense heat, the aroma of Lemon Verbena and Lemon Grass filled the polytunnel infusing our visitors with calm and serenity. Our wonderful Open Day caterers,Berry Blue, were ever popular again with their delicious servings of Courgette, Dill and Parsley pancakes, and Tarragon Ice Cream, from recipes inJekka's Herb Cookbook. Many July visitors vowed to return for our September Open Days, when we'll be holding our end-of-season 'Plant Sale of the Century'!
Seasonal Tips - August
Prolonged warm weather, with a few tropical rainstorms thrown in for good measure, brought every possible flowering herb into bloom. And now it's time to cut back herbaceous perennials such as Achillea, Catmint and Oregano, to reshape the plant and encourage healthy new growth. It's definitely time to be harvesting your herbs, particularly Parsley, Marigold, Clary Sage and Peppermint for freezing or drying; also harvest the seed of Angelica, Chervil, Coriander, Dill, Fennel and Cancer Bush. Keep on sowing seed throughout the season - see our Seed Sowing Calendar for inspiration.
Remember, organic growing will bring beneficial birds and insects to your garden. 2010 is International Year of Biodiversity - a drive to increase the awareness of dwindling natural resources, including our wildlife population. Certainly, the herb farm is a happy home for all sorts of wildlife- see the baby newt on Finlay's hand, and frog found by our gardener, Simon this month.
We also have two Bumble Bee nests on the farm, which we're very excited about. Hard working bees will pollinate our herbs and increase our yield - everyone wins!
Don't forget to view Jekka's Herb of the Month for July - Stevia is 100 times sweeter than sugar...
That’s all of our news for now - Please feel free to get in touch by email, or comment on our Facebook or Twitter pages, if there are specific topics or issues you would like us to cover.
