Newsletter: 24th May 2026
Celebrating Herbs at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
This week, Jekka visited the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to see some of her treasured herbs featured in The RHS and The King’s Foundation ‘The Curious Garden’ designed by Frances Tophill.
Jekka's Floral exhibits at RHS Flower Shows
The Curious Garden & Jekka’s Unusual Herbs
Seeing her herbs included in The Curious Garden this year therefore felt especially meaningful, a celebration of decades spent championing herbs within British horticulture.
Some of the herbs we sent to RHS Chelsea 2026:
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Spineless Caper (Capparis spinosa subsp. rupestris) Most people know capers as the small pickled buds used in Mediterranean cooking, but very few have ever seen the plant itself growing. Native to rocky coastal regions of the Mediterranean, capers thrive in dry conditions, often emerging dramatically from cracks in ancient walls and cliffs. Want to know more? Read our blog All about Herbs: Capers |
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Cretan Oregano (Origanum dictamnus) Soft, silver and trailing gently from containers, Cretan Oregano is one of Jekka’s favourite ornamental herbs. Native to the mountains of Crete, this ancient herb has been treasured since the time of the Minoans and was once gathered from steep cliff faces by daring harvesters. Want to know more? Read our Guide to Oregano |
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Australian Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) Native to the coastal regions of Australia, it has become increasingly valued in gardens for its drought tolerance, resilience and elegant silver-grey foliage. The small pale flowers attract pollinators throughout the season, whilst the evergreen structure provides year-round interest. Want to know more? |
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Lavender Buchii (Lavandula buchii var. buchii) Native to Tenerife in the Canary Islands this is one of the most unusual Lavenders in Jekka’s collection. It has wonderfully artistic silver-grey leaves that are beautifully complemented by soft pale mauve flowers. Want to know more? Read our Guide to Lavender |
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In the RHS Curious Garden: Cretan Oregano (Origanum dictamnu),, Spineless Caper (Capparis spinosa subsp. rupestris) and Lavender Buchii (Lavandula buchii var. buchii)
Visit Jekka's Herb Garden this June
If seeing these unusual herbs at Chelsea has inspired you to discover more, we would love to welcome you to the herb farm for our Open Days on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June.
This is a rare opportunity to explore Jekka’s Herb Garden at one of the most beautiful moments in the growing season and to view our extraordinary collection of culinary, medicinal and ornamental herbs in person.
Throughout the day you will enjoy guided tours with Herbalist Bee McGovern, seasonal herb talks with Jekka McVicar and the chance to learn more about the stories, uses and history behind many of the plants we grow. There will also be a wide selection of herb plants available to purchase, all grown and propagated here on the herb farm.
We are also delighted that members of our local branch of the British Beekeepers Association will be joining us to share their knowledge about pollinators, beekeeping and the vital relationship between bees, herbs and biodiversity within the garden.
Whether you are an experienced gardener, passionate cook, herbal enthusiast or simply curious about plants, we hope you will leave feeling inspired.
Friday 5th & Saturday 6th June 2026 - Limited tickets available
Cultivating flavour, creating experiences.