Jekka's Herb Farm
Springs into a New Year
News from the Farm
What a difference a year makes, from -6°C in the day in 2011 to +8°C in 2012. Apparently the weather has been seasonal average, but after last year it seems mild. By the way, do not be fooled that winter is nearing a close, be cautious. I, personally, am watching 3 weather sites, as we can have hard frosts right into March and those can be the worst of the lot hitting the new growth and destroying flowering buds. Talking of a new season, this is going to be a very auspicious year in the history of Jekka's Herb Farm as it is our 25th year at Rose Cottage. So we are launching a new website in February and having a birthday bash at our April Open day, more info on both of these events will follow nearer the time. We have also taken the opportunity to slightly change the way we run the herb farm. We have streamlined the on-line shop to include seeds, books, tea's and gifts. By dropping herb plants from the shop it has given us the chance to increase the size of the containers in which our herbs are growing from an 8cm pot to a 1litre pot and also, for many such as Rosemary and Myrtle, into 2 litre pots so that you can start harvesting the herbs as soon as you get the plant home. Consequently those of you wanting our herb plants can either collect them from our open days; or direct from the Herb Farm, with 48 hours notice; or we can take them to any of the flower shows, lectures and plant sales we are attending. Alternatively we offer a contract grow service where we grow plant especially for your garden and then have them delivered directly to your home. |
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Seeds
From February onwards it is the ideal time to start sowing seeds under protection. This gives the plants a head start and will give you an early feast of delectable salad herb leaves, or a chance to establish flowering annuals so that they can festoon your garden, window box or pots. |
Silver Jubilee
It is difficult to believe that this was how we started at Rose Cottage, 25 years ago, with one single span poly tunnel; where does time go? On the new website in February you will be able to see the history of the farm in photographs.
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Open Days
We are very pleased that Berry Blue will again be doing the catering at the Open days offering a lovely selection of herby food. New for this year, Jekka and Berry Blue have combined forces to offer a gala dinner on the Thursday night prior to each of the Open days which start on the Friday. This will be available for limited numbers and, I can guarantee, it will be a wonderful gastronomic event. So watch out for more information on our websites so that you can book early to avoid disappointment.
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Gardens
We are creating and growing herbs for many gardens in 2012. This includes 3, Chelsea Flower Show, show gardens and 6, public and private gardens. We are especially proud to be redesigning the herb garden at le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons with the wonderful 2 Michelin star chef Raymond Blanc OBE.
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