Author: Laura P
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Spice up your life
Words by Dr Viv from Curiosity Research Spice up your life – research shows it is good for us. There is more and more research coming out showing that having herbs and spices in the diet is good for our health. I always have a few staples in the kitchen cupboard like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon,…
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Wave of interest
In our little corner of the world we can be very in tune with the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes through watching the River Severn. The great swathe of water has a very ancient presence, it’s been bringing tides way inland since prehistoric times in the unusual ‘backwash’ known as the Bore. The Severn Bore Tides…
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March Herb Walk
Our March herb walk took place on the first day of Meteorological Spring. Though the day started frosty, the sun soon made its presence known, so by the time we were sat having a post-walk coffee in the Chantry Centre garden it was pleasantly too warm for coats. Our welcome transition into Spring had begun.…
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Herb growing beginners guide
It seems a simple question: ‘What herbs should I grow?’ But, as with many things, the answer is ‘it depends’. A little more helpfully, we can give you a few pointers to decide which herbs could be right for you, a little guidance as to which herbs are likely not to disappoint, and a little…
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Spring tonics
As soon as you see the first fresh dandelion leaves, its time to start making your spring tonic. Having spent winter eating the heavier, fattier soups and stews that our body needs to keep warm, it’s time to flush out the system in preparation for the lighter salads and leaves of spring and summer. So…
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Chervil
Words by Angela Jones I never have much luck growing Parsley from seed, out of a full packet only a few will take, so this year I have decided to try Chervil as well to see how they compare. Chervil is similar in taste to Parsley but milder, with a slightly more Aniseed flavour, and…
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Thyme for coughs – research and remedies
Words by Dr Viv from Curiosity Research It is nearing the time of year when we start planning our gardens, and what better moment to consider creating a herb garden. Many of the well-known Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme and lavender, grow easily in our climate and are quite forgiving towards gardeners just starting…
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Clover story
The clusters of tubular flowers that make up the egg-shaped globes of clover heads (sometimes up to 3cm long) are an eye catching feature of meadows and hedgerows. Although we often wander by without stopping to think about them and the benefits they bring. The happiness of ‘living in clover’ is better appreciated by taking…
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February herb walk
Our herb walks take place on the first Saturday of each month, right through the year. Though the winter walks may require more imagination and willingness to search for treasures, arguably, they’re the most important times for our wellbeing. Getting out into the cold is one of the best ways to shake the winter blues,…
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Blend your own Love Tea
With Valentines fast approaching, its time to show a little love with the herbs. Whether you’re brewing for two, or warming your own heart, you can create your own blend of herbs to get the mood you want. Herbs to set the mood A herbal tea blend will typically include three or more herbs, selected…